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Tractor rally turns violent in Delhi, Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the prevailing law and order situation

 The tractor rally which was supposed to be taken out in Delhi in a peaceful manner on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day turned violent as the protesting farmers deviated from the planned routes and clashed with the police personnel in a bid to move towards central Delhi.

The farmer protests in New Delhi took a violent turn quickly as the protesters broke the police barricades. Protesting farmers clashed with police at several places in the national capital and entered the iconic Red Fort and ITO in the heart of city. As hundreds of farmers deviated from pre-decided routes, the Delhi Police was forced to resort to lathi-charge and use tear gas against the mob.

Farmers protesting against the three laws took out their tractor rallies from three border points, Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur, which have been the epicentre of these protests since November 26 last year.

The farmers didn’t adhere to the regulations of the parade which had been introduced earlier in order to ensure that the parade is carried out smoothly.

Wielding sticks and clubs and holding the tricolour and union flags, tens of thousands of farmers atop tractors broke barriers, clashed with police and entered the city from various points to lay siege to the Red Fort and climb the flagpole on Republic Day. A protestor was seen hoisting a yellow triangular flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi.

Several police officers have been injured and the police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas shelling to contain the situation. Due to the violence, all roads leading to Central Delhi from East and North East Delhi have been blocked by the police. No traffic is being allowed.

Internet services were also suspended on Tuesday afternoon in several areas of Delhi and NCR after the violence which erupted during the ongoing farmers' tractor rally in the national capital.

 An official statement issued by the Union home ministry (MHA) said that internet was suspended in Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri, Mukarba Chowk and Nangloi and adjoining areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday held a high-level meeting to discuss the prevailing law and order situation caused due to the chaotic protests by farmers in Delhi. He has directed additional security forces to remain on alert if the need arises.

While farmer leaders, who have been spearheading the two-month protest at the national capital’s border points to demand a repeal of the farm laws, disowned the protesters.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Tuesday disassociated itself from violent acts that took place during the farmers' tractor parade. The SKM said it condemns and regrets the "undesirable" and "unacceptable" events.

 "We condemn and regret the undesirable and unacceptable events that have taken place today and dissociate ourselves from those indulging in such acts. Despite all our efforts, some organisations and individuals have violated the route and indulged in condemnable acts. Anti-social elements had infiltrated the otherwise peaceful movement. We have always held that peace is our biggest strength, and that any violation would hurt the movement" ,the Samyukta Kisan Morcha said in a statement.

 "We dissociate ourselves from all such elements that have violated our discipline. We appeal strongly to everyone to stick to the route and norms of the Parade, and not indulge in any violent action or anything that taints national symbols and dignity. We appeal to everyone to desist from any such acts" the farmer union said.

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