This Article is From Mar 18, 2013

Farmers caned after scuffle with police

Amritsar: Police resorted to mild caning following scuffle with a group of farmers, who were trying to stage demonstration outside a government office in Amritsar.

Tension brewed up when members of as many as 17 farmers' organisations, who were planning to demonstrate outside the office of Deputy Commissioner, were stopped by police, officials said.

As many as 150 farmers were detained and later released, the police said, adding mild force was used to disperse the mob and nobody was injured.

The farmers have been demanding writing off their farm loans and electricity bills, besides withdrawal of all police cases lodged against them during various agitations over past one year.

Meanwhile, chaotic scenes prevailed as the protests threw traffic out of gear at several locations in the city, leaving the commuters caught in long traffic jams.

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