Riau farmers stage protest

Riau farmers stage protest

PEKANBARU, Riau: Angry protesters from the Farmers Action Front for Justice staged a protest outside Riau Governor HM Rusli's residence on Wednesday, breaking down the fence in the process.

The protesters, comprising some 70 farmers from Tambusai Timur, Kepayang, Kepenuhan Hulu and Pekan Tebih villages in Rokan Hulu regency, became upset when they were unable to meet the governor.

The farmers were demanding the governor cancel the permit of PT Panca Surya Agrindo because it took over their land. They also demanded the police make the company return their land and arrest company executives responsible for an incident on Nov. 20 in which three farmers were killed.

The incident occurred when farmers clashed with security guards working for the company. -- Antara