The early seventies witnessed clashes between the farmers and agricultural labourers throughout the country. In Bhojpur confrontations between the landless labourers led by Jagdish Mahto and the rich landlords broke into open clashes. In the beginning, peaceful means like demonstrations and processions were held by the labourers. But as they failed to move the landlords, the labour leaders resorted to violence. Standing crops of the landlords were cut, grain was looted and many landlords were killed. The labourers were branded as naxalites and many of their leaders were shot. Their houses were destroyed and families were driven out. The period also witnessed a struggle between the farmers and the government. The farmers' organizations demanded higher procurement support prices for their products from the government. Strikes, processions and 'gheraos' were resorted to. Their struggle essentially was directed at the urban consumers of farm products.