Farmers clash with cops, six injured

BHAWANIPATNA: Six farmers were injured after the community clashed with the  police on Monday. As per reports, farmers from across the district staged a dharna in front of the Junagarh block office demanding extension of the date for depositing premium for crop insurance.When police tried to restrict them from entering the block office, a clash ensued between the farmers and the cops. To bring the situation under control, police reportedly resorted to lathicharge injuring six farmers.Protesting police action, the agitators blocked the road on NH-201 disrupting vehicular traffic for several hours.Sources said due to scanty rainfall, paddy saplings have been damaged in various parts of the district. Under such circumstances, many of the farmers have been seeking crop insurance.Since Friday, farmers were seen thronging various commercial and cooperative banks for depositing the premium amount to avail of the insurance. However, as the last date for depositing premium was July 31, a lot many farmers could not deposit the amount.Demanding extension of the premium deposit date, farmers staged a dharna at the Junagarh block office.