NEW DELHI, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of farmers during violent agitation in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has risen to six, India's official broadcaster - All India Radio (AIR) said Wednesday.
Two farmers wounded during the incident have been hospitalized.
The killings took place on Tuesday at Pipaliamandi area in Mandsaur district, about 325 km west of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.
"Farmers agitation took violent turn in Mandsour district yesterday as six farmers died and two others were wounded in firing in Pipaliamandia of Mandsaur," the broadcaster said.
The farmers demanding better prices for their produce had assembled to intensify their agitation, which according to officials, turned violent. The protesting farmers set ablaze several vehicles and resorted to stone throwing, officials said.
While farmers blamed police for the firing, local authorities claimed "miscreants" opened fire on farmers.
Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements fearing escalation of situation in the wake of the killings and shutdown called by farmers' organisations and opposition parties.
A curfew has been put in place to prevent further protests.
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an increased compensation of 155,138 U.S. dollars and a government job for the families who lost their kin in Tuesday's firing incident. The wounded would also get a compensation of 7,750 U.S. dollars, besides free treatment at government hospital.
"Those who lost life are our own and belong to our families," Chouhan said. "I am deeply pained by the turn of events today and stand by families in this hour of grief. I appeal to my fellow brothers and farmers to maintain peace."
