India celebrates 72nd Republic day with galore while farmers face tear gas during a tractor rally

As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on the 26 Jan 2021 with great galore and pride, the farmers during the tractor rally faced tear gas and lathi-charge from the Delhi Police. After a lot of discussions with the farmers’ unions, the Delhi Police had reached a consensus to permit farmers to hold a peaceful rally at a designated route near the three borders.

The protesting farmer leaders on the three borders stated that while they had decided in the meeting to follow the route, some protestors began the rally early and changed the permitted route within the National Capital.

Naresh Tikait, a farmer leader, stated, “The youngsters in the rally might have got carried away. We ask everybody to stay calm and continue to protest peacefully.” 

On Sunday, after discussions, the Delhi Police allowed farmers to hold their tractor rally on a specific route near the three borders; Tikri, Singhu and Gazipur. 

During the meeting with police officials, farmers had accepted to adhere to the predefined route and said they will not enter different parts of Delhi. Farmers were allowed to begin the rally at 11 am, but, they began it one hour ahead of the scheduled time.

The protesting farmers at the Singhu border had penetrated the barricade set by police around 8:30 am, while they were permitted to conduct the rally at 12 and 6 pm. Soon, clashes between the police and the farmers were reported. Police had to utilize tear gas shells, water cannons, and lathi-charge on them to restrict them from entering Delhi from Singhu and Ghazipur border. 

Around 11.30 am, numerous farmers continued towards the Akshardham temple and attempted to enter Delhi. However, Police had permitted the tractor rally to take a U-turn after reaching Ghazipur market. 

Here, as well, police had to control the rally by using lathi charge and tear gas to prevent them from moving towards central Delhi, where the 72nd Republic Day celebration was going on in heart of the National Capital. 

Similarly, at Nangloi near the Tikri border, farmers had to face a similar standoff. The protestors demanded to drive their trucks from Nangloi chowk to inside Delhi but were asked to stick with the allotted route. There were reports of chaos and stampede in Nangloi. Currently, many farmers have managed to enter ITO and the Red Fort area, where few injuries have been reported during clashes with the Delhi Police. The Indian Express reported.