Hanumangarh Farmers Protest Update: The farmers’ protest against the under-construction ethanol factory in the Tibbi area of Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, continued today. Following the violent clashes on Wednesday, a heavy police presence has been deployed in the area, and internet services have remained suspended for the second consecutive day. Amid the fear, approximately 30 families living near the factory have left their homes and moved to safer locations. Farmers and opposition leaders have warned that their agitation against the under-construction ethanol factory will continue until their demands are met. Farmers began gathering at a gurdwara near Tibbi early this morning. Around 30 families living near the factory have left their homes due to fear.
The dispute escalated into violence on Wednesday when hundreds of farmers stormed the construction site of Dune Ethanol Private Limited in Rathikheda village. The protesters broke down the factory wall and set fire to the office and several vehicles. When police attempted to stop the protesters, clashes ensued. Police then resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas, in response to which the farmers set fire to more than a dozen vehicles, including a police jeep. More than 50 people, including women, were injured in the violence. Among the wounded was Congress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia, who was taken to the district hospital.
Farmers Issue Warning
Ravjot Singh, a leader of the Factory Removal Struggle Committee, said that more than 70 people were injured in the clashes. Farmer organisations and opposition leaders have accused the administration of exacerbating the situation. Farmers began gathering at a gurdwara near Tibbi early this morning. More than 100 farmers and injured women stayed overnight at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha. A meeting of farmers is scheduled for this afternoon to decide on the future course of action. Congress leader Shabnam Godara said the farmers had only requested a written assurance to halt construction, but the administration ignored their demands and worsened the situation.
