Tractor parade turns violent in Delhi, Farmers body calls it off, 1 protester killed

New Delhi: New Delhi witnessed violent scenes on Republic Day as farmers participating in a tractor rally clashed with the police, broke barricades and stormed the Red Fort, and the police responded with tear gases and lathi charge. One protester was killed.
Even as the Delhi police said the clashes had led to “extensive damage to public property” and injuries to “many policemen”, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha issued a statement distancing itself from the ‘violent elements’. The farmer body called off the tractor rally with immediate effect while maintaining that the movement will continue peacefully.
At least 19 people were taken to two Delhi hospitals following violence during the tractor rally. Most of them suffered minor injuries and were in need of first aid, according to doctors from the two hospitals.
The Delhi Police registered four FIRs on Tuesday in connection with the violence. “Three FIRs were registered in east district and one in Shahdara district,” reports quited a police official as saying so.
According to Delhi Police, 86 of its personnel were injured in the violence, said media reports coming from Delhi. Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police, said legal action will be taken against those who assaulted the police personnel.
The Delhi Police said the protesting farmers violated conditions agreed for the tractor rally. “Farmers began tractor parade before the scheduled time, resorted to violence and vandalism. Farmers’ protest led to extensive damage to public property, many policemen injured,” the police said in a statement.
The Union Home Ministry has ordered temporary suspension of telecom services in border areas of Delhi — Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri, Mukarba Chowk, Nangloi .
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 have also announced a plan to march on foot to Parliament on February 1, the day the Union Budget will be presented.