Farmers Protest Enters Central Delhi – No End to Chaos

Thousands of protesting farmers entered the central part of the capital, blocking many parts of the area. The aggressive bunch of protestors covered Ring Road at Sarai Kale Khan, ITO and Red Fort.  Delhi Police stated these roads were not on the permitted list because of Republic Day function.

Tuesday morning of 26^th January when India is celebrating its 72^nd Republic Day, saw increasing trouble between the protesting farmers and police.

Thousands of protesting farmers entered the central part of the capital, blocking many parts of the area. The aggressive bunch of protestors covered Ring Road at Sarai Kale Khan, ITO and Red Fort.  Delhi Police stated these roads were not on the permitted list because of Republic Day function.

The farmers requested for a tractor rally to which specific areas were kept open for a peaceful protest. However, the tractors were seen driven over dividers, making an uncontrollable situation for the guards. By the afternoon, the farmers outnumbered the police and continued to cover other parts of the city. Several police vehicles were damaged, and public properties like DTC buses were used to show an outrageous reaction. The police open many rounds of tear gas in an attempt to control the situation.

The farmers clashed with the police at the Sindhu and Ghazipur border, knowing the city is under high security due to Republic Day.

By the evening, the internet connection was disconnected in certain parts of Delhi. It was reported that a farmer was shot and died during the protest. Delhi metro closed entry and exit gates at several stations.

A high-level meeting was called at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s. The Home Secretary and Delhi Police Commissioner have attended the meeting briefing Mr. Shah about the incident.