Andhra shutdown turns violent: Seven killed in police firing

At least seven persons have been killed and several others injured in police firing on Saturday in Khammam District in Andhra Pradesh after a protest rally of Left parties against the State Governments land policy turned violent.

Hyderabad, July 28 : At least seven persons have been killed and several others injured in police firing on Saturday in Khammam District in Andhra Pradesh after a protest rally of Left parties against the State Government's land policy turned violent.

Protestors in Modugonda Village started pelting stones on police, who retaliated first with a baton charge, and then with firing on the 1000-strong mob.

The injured have been admitted to the District hospital. The State Government has already ordered an enquiry into the incident.

The day-long shutdown which is also being supported by the opposition Telegu Desam Party (TDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) brought the entire State to a standstill.

Rail services were hit with protestors putting blockades on rail-tracks. Several express trains passing through the State were stopped at various places.

Bus services were also disrupted with reports of over 25 buses being damaged by angry mobs in various districts of the State.

Roads were deserted and business and shops remained closed, as activists of TDP took to the streets in Hyderabad, carrying placards.

"After the Y S Rajashekhar Government completed three years, it has given big companies like Reliance ten acres of land. What is the need for Rajashekhar Government to give ten acres to Infosys? This government is trying to sell land to earn profit," said senior BJP leader, Bhandaru Datatreya, who also accused the State Government of not distributing the land to the poor.

Opposition parties have been demanding that the government set up an independent body to oversee the land distribution process.

On Friday, the State Government held three rounds of talks with Left leaders to find an amicable solution, but failed to break the deadlock.

The Congress Government had promised distribution of surplus land to the landless poor. The state has so far distributed about 450,000 acres of land to about 300,000 beneficiaries.

ANI