Rajasthan: Several people, including policemen, injured in clashes over water supply in Bikaner

Bikaner: Farmers protesting against restricting water supply of Kanwarsen canal on Friday clashed with the police in Bikaner, resulting in injuries to several people.

Superintendent of Police Swai Singh Godara said farmers left around 5,000 cattle loose on the Bikaner-Suratgarh National Highway, which disrupted traffic movement for around two hours.

The farmers and livestock rearers are protesting for the last 11 days in the Lunkaransar area, demanding supply of water from the canal, the police said.

The police alleged that when they asked protesters to clear the highway, they started throwing stones, while the protesters alleged that the police fired teargas shells to disperse them.

Several people, including some policemen sustained injuries, in the clashes, the police said.

The farmers are protesting against the government’s decision to restrict water supply of the canal.

Bikaner district Collector Anil Gupta said the highway has been cleared of the protesters and the situation is under control.