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English/Nat The embattled government in Zimbabwe has called off planned celebrations marking 20 years of independence, saying it cancelled military parades, tribal dancing and sports displays to save money. The anniversary on April 18 of independence from white rule in 1980 comes as Zimbabwe faces its worst economic crisis and violent occupations of white-owned farms continues unchecked by police. In the latest farm attack on Tuesday, shots were fired by squatters who clashed with farm workers east of the capital, Harare. Squatters, led by armed men claiming to be veterans of the independence war, have illegally occupied and staked claims to more than 900 white-owned farms in Zimbabwe. This farm near Arcturus, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) east of Harare, is the latest focal point of violence. Farmer Paul Retzlaff, 50, said about 30 armed squatters smashed a truck through his farmhouse gate on Tuesday. He said they broke into his home, smashing windows and a radio console before stealing electrical equipment, mobile phones, clothing, food and liquor. After there was no response from police, about 200 black farm workers from his own and neighbouring properties forced the assailants to retreat. At least one fired shots. Retzlaff said it was a dangerous moment. SOUNDBITE: (English) "My wife was severely shaken up. She was absolutely petrified. We had these war veterans, they were drunk, they were threatening to kill us." SUPER CAPTION: Farmer Paul Retzlaff The occupations, which began in early February, come in a nation where 4-thousand white farmers own about one-third of Zimbabwe's productive land. Most blacks are landless and impoverished. With opposition mounting to his two decades of rule, President Robert Mugabe has backed the illegal occupations. He argues they are a justified protest against unfair land ownership. But according to business leaders, economic turmoil caused by a confrontation over the ownership of white farms could reduce agricultural output - and have severe economic consequences. SOUNDBITE: (English) "Well the government obviously intends doing what they want to do. All I can say is that if they do that - there's going to be very little economy in the country." SUPER CAPTION: Farmer Paul Retzlaff Many observers fear that violent tactics used by some squatters may soon be answered by violence. If that happens the threat of anarchy in Zimbabwe may become very real. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/422a6a81982e2619e097ea38b32d2a70 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork