Indian farmer dies after dousing himself in petrol and setting himself on fire in protest over land ownership

• Farmer Prabin Bono burned himself to death during protest rally
• State government decided against granting land rights to rural workers
• Following his death protest sprung up across Assam state

Prabin Boro, 45, burned himself to death today during a protest over land ownership in India

The farmer and activist set himself alight in front of horrified onlookers before officials poured water on him

Boro apparently confessed his plans to his wife beforehand saying it was for the public good

The state government of Assam had recently decided not to give land permits to people living in the hills around Guwahati

Boro's wife, Purnima, has now started legal action against two politicians claiming their actions led to his suicide

As news of Boro's action spread, protest sprang up across the state, with up to 60 activists arrested

State officers had to break up several roadblocks along the main highway, and one which crossed railway tracks

Self-immolation has been surprisingly common across India's history, with up to 800 students lighting themselves on fire between 2012 and 2013 demanding that a new state be established

Following Boro's death the state has said it will provide and income for his wife, who has young children

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