Police open fire as farmers run riot in Delhi, one dead

One person was killed at protests in ITO after his tractor was shot at and it turned turtle. Groups of protesting farmers on Republic Day entered Red Fort after breaching police barricades, attacking personnel and even vandalising a bus at ITO.

The chaos unfolded despite the police giving farmers camping at Delhi’s three borders — Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur — permission to hold rallies on specific routes, only after the official Republic Day parade at Rajpath.

As per the agreement, farmers were to remain in the adjoining areas of the borders and not venture towards Central Delhi. The police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas to control the protesters after they breached the barricades at the three borders.
The tractors rally will mark the completion of two months of protest against the Centre’s contentious farm laws by farmers camping at the borders of Delhi. Farmer leaders also announced a plan to march on foot to Parliament on February 1, the day the Union Budget will be presented.

Meanwhile, senior farmer Balbir Singh Rajewal said farmers were following the pre-decided route. No one from the Sankyukt Kisan Morcha went to the Outer Ring Road. “We condemn violence against farmers, appeal to all to maintain peace,” Mr. Rajewal said.

Prashant Bhushan, public interest lawyer and activist condemned the farmers’ action. He tweeted, “It is unfortunate that some farmers on tractors have deviated from the pre agreed & designated route. It is extremely important for the farmers to go back to the designated route&above all remain totally non-violent. Any indiscipline or violence will seriously damage the movement.”

Former Minister and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor said the hoisting of flag at the Red Fort was unfortunate. “Most unfortunate. I have supported the farmers’ protests from the start but I cannot condone lawlessness. And on #RepublicDay no flag but the sacred tiranga should fly aloft the Red Fort,” he tweeted.