Three agitating farmers feared dead in UP's Lakhimpur-Kheri after run over by vehicles

At least three farmers protesting against Centre's farm laws people were feared dead on Sunday after being mowed down by vehicles, one of which reportedly belongs to Union MoS (Home) Ajay Mishra's son Ashish.

Unidentified persons also opened fire at the farmers.

Infuriated farmers set three jeeps on fire after some of the protestors were run over by the vehicles.

Over a dozen farmers have been injured and unconfirmed reports said that three farmers have died in the incident. Officials, however, refused to confirm the number of deaths or the number of persons injured in the incident.

Earlier in the day, thousands of farmers had marched to Tikuniya and staged protests against the Uttar Pradesh government.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was scheduled to reach Banvir village to attend a programme organised by the Union Minister.

However, farmers occupied the helipad site at Maharaja Agrasen Sports Ground, where his helicopter was to land.

Following this, the Deputy Chief Minister's programme was changed and he reached Lakhimpur by road from Lucknow.

Angry farmers in Tikunia protested by uprooting the hoardings welcoming him.

The farmers came from adjoining villages like Palia, Bhira, Bijua, Khajuria and Sampurna Nagar with black flags in their hands.

Meanwhile, Bhartiya Kisan Union spokesman Rakesh Tikait said that he is reaching Lakhimpur to meet the injured farmers.

A heavy deployment of forces has been made in the area and police from adjoining districts is also being called in to control the situation.