ZHONGSHAN, Guangdong, Jan. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- A highway resumed operation after petitioners for land compensation who blocked a local highway in the past four days dispersed Sunday noon in south China's Guangdong Province, an official said.

    No one died in the incident that occurred in Sanjiao township of Zhongshan City, and police used no tear gas or electronic batons or water cannon while dispersing the petitioners and onlookers, said a spokesman with the municipal government of Zhongshan.

    However, two policemen and three villagers were injured after the throw of rocks and firecrackers at policemen by petitioners led to chaos.

    The spokesman said the wind shield and lamps of a police car were smashed by petitioners.

    He said some instigators of the attack were detained.

    More than 50 petitioners from Panlong village Wednesday gathered in front of the government office of Sanjiao township, blocking the Nansan Road, which links Zhongshan and the township.

    The spokesman said that the villagers were demanding for higher compensation for their 130 hectares of land the township government confiscated in 2003 for 180,000 yuan (about 22,500 U.S.dollars) per hectare.

    Petitioners rose to more than 100 Saturday evening and the gathering attracted hundreds of onlookers. The municipal police bureau sent policemen to help maintain traffic order that night, who then were attacked by villagers, the spokesman said.

    The municipal authorities of Zhongshan ordered police and township officials to remain calm and avoid clash with petitioners after receiving the report of the gathering.

    Mayor Chen Genkai asked the township government to consider villagers' reasonable demand seriously and give them sincere response.

    The village is now in calmness, the spokesman said. Enditem