GUJRANWALA, June 1: A landlord and an ASI were killed here on Wednesday during an exchange of fire between two rivals groups and the police at Rohhay village, Nosheran Virkan over a land dispute. Reports said Idrees Mughal and Muhammad Boota fell out with each other over a land dispute some days back when the area people reconciled them. Later, Idrees Mughal shifted to Sheikhupura along with his family.

He came to the village on Wednesday to supervise his land when Boota and his accomplices opened fire on him. The group, led by Idrees, retaliated.

Meanwhile, a police party, led by ASI Muhammad Yaqoob, reached the spot. The ASI was reportedly killed by the firing of Idrees group. Resultantly, the police shot him dead.

Nosheran Virkan police have registered a case against both the groups and are investigating.

farmers protest: The farmers of the area protested against closing of a water channel by irrigation department, saying that the unjustified closure has made hundreds of acre of agricultural land barren.

They demanded that the Punjab chief minister and other high-ups should take punitive action against the officials responsible for the closure.

At a meeting held here on Wednesday, the farmers of Mandiala Poniach village said the closure of water channel No 117/328 had made about 510 acres of agricultural land barren, while they had to face heavy financial losses.

They sent a memorandum to Punjab chief minister and other high-ups demanding an inquiry into the matter.

They demanded the water channel be restored immediately. The irrigation SDO concerned was not available for comments.