Violent Clashes Erupt in Ghaziabad as Farmers Protest Waste Management Plant
Two police officers sustained injuries during a violent confrontation between farmers and law enforcement in Ghaziabad's Tronica City on Sunday. The clash occurred as more than 500 farmers and local residents, including women and children, gathered to protest against a solid waste management plant being constructed by the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC).
Police Deployment and Violent Escalation
A substantial police contingent was deployed to maintain order at the protest site near Mirpur Hindu village. According to police reports, the situation escalated when protesters allegedly broke the lock of the plant's gate and entered the premises. Police stated they used mild force to clear the area, but protesters responded by pelting stones, injuring two personnel identified as Mayank and Ranjeet.
"Both injured officers were taken to hospital with severe injuries. Their clothes were stained with blood," said DCP (rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari. "In self-defence, police used mild force to disperse the protesters. No lathi-charge took place, and some individuals have been detained."
Protesters' Claims and Environmental Concerns
Protesters presented a different account, claiming that over 10 farmers suffered injuries during what they described as a police lathi-charge. "More than 10 people, including women, were injured during the lathi-charge. Several farmers sustained head injuries," stated local resident Raghuram Singh.
Villagers expressed deep environmental concerns about the plant, which they believe will "spoil the clean environment" of the area and increase disease risks. The facility, with over 90% of construction completed after three years of work, is expected to become operational soon.
Widespread Opposition and Previous Protests
The protest has garnered support from multiple villages including:
- Mirpur Hindu village
- Pachayra
- Badarpur
- Nawada
- Sungarpur
- Allipur
- Mandola
- Khanpur Japti
- Harampur
Farmers had been conducting an indefinite sit-in protest at the Shiv temple in Mirpur Hindu village for several days prior to Sunday's clash. During this period, they submitted a memorandum to officials demanding the plant's removal.
Video Evidence and Conflicting Accounts
Video footage accessed by media outlets shows conflicting scenes from the incident:
- Farmers running from the road with police following and using batons
- A policeman pushing a man while an elderly woman falls to the ground
- Police-released footage showing the same elderly woman standing in the crowd before being pushed and falling
Police confirmed the elderly woman is stable, while also denying rumors of any fatalities during the protest. "The rumor about an elderly woman dying during the lathi-charge was fake news. No one died," clarified DCP Tiwari.
Residents' Frustration with Administration
Local residents expressed frustration with what they perceive as administrative neglect. "We raised this matter with the administration and GMC several times, but no official visited to discuss the issue," said Raghuram Singh.
Shivam Thakur, another resident, questioned the plant's location: "How can a dumping yard or solid waste plant come near agricultural land? We are farming here, but the administration wants to make this plant near our houses to clear their houses or city."
Protesters described a sudden escalation when police began forcing people into vehicles. When locals resisted, they claim police started beating farmers, leading to the violent confrontation that resulted in multiple injuries on both sides.
