FATEHABAD: The farmers on war-path in Gorkakhpur against the proposed nuclear power plant got a boost with Prashant Bhushan, a member of team Anna, joining the agitation.

Though upbeat over this, and Bhushan's announcement indicating the likelihood of Anna visiting the villagers, the agitating farmers, however, turned down his request to cremate Ishawar Singh, who died at PGIMS Rohtak on Monday morning.

Bhushan accused the Haryana government of issuing misleading statements while referring to the acquisition process of 1100 acres in Gorkhpur, Kajalhedi and Badopal villages for setting up a nuclear power plant.

"During meeting with officials I was informed that most farmers have agreed to give their lands. But on coming here I came to know that most of them had been protesting against the plant for one year. It is sad that no one from the government has come forward for talks. I requested the farmers to cremate the dead farmer and then carry on their fight. Anna Hazare too may come to meet these farmers soon," he said.

Meanwhile, the chain hunger strike by farmers and dharna entered the 394th day on Friday.

While farmers were raising anti-administration and anti-power plant slogans, the district administration made yet another attempt to clarify the position by insisting that most of them have already expressed their willingness to provide the land.

"Of the total 1100 acres, owners of only 213 acres have not agreed and lodged protests. Ishwar Singh owned 13.5 acres, but his land was not to be acquired," said Fatehabad deputy commissioner Vijay Singh Dahiya.