Republic day violence: Farmer unions postpone Feb 1 march to Parliament

23:01 January 27

Chilla border operational after BKU calls off protest

After Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) decided to call off their 58-day protest at the Chilla border of Delhi-Noida, following violence during the Republic Day tractor rally, farmers were seen wrapping up their tents and preparing to return their homes. The union's president Bhanu Pratap Singh had earlier announced to end the protest in the light of violence during yesterday's tractor rally.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Noida Rannvijay Singh said that the police personnel were working to ensure a smooth flow of traffic at the Delhi-Noida border.

23:00 January 27

AAP blames BJP for violence on Republic Day

A day after the farmers taking out tractor rally created ruckus, clashed with police personnel, damaged public properties and hoisted the religious flag at historic Red Fort, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which is one of those political outfits that stood in support of farmers since the beginning of protest condemned the incident.

In a press conference on Wednesday, AAP leader and party's Punjab in-charge, Raghav Chadha said, "Yesterday, we all witnessed what happened in Delhi and most importantly at the Red Fort. We have condemned the violence and believe that such a thing should not have happened."

Holding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responsible for the violence and alleging that Deep Sidhu, the person who was reportedly caught hoisting a religious flag, belongs to BJP, he said, "Deep Sidhu, the mastermind of yesterday's violence, has a close connection with PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah."

21:22 January 27

Meeting of SC's committee on farmers' issue postponed till January 29

he meeting of the committee constituted by the Supreme Court on farmers' issues that was scheduled to be held on Wednesday was postponed till January 29. 

This came a day after violence broke out during the farmers' tractor rally in different parts of the national capital. 

The Supreme Court on January 12, stayed the implementation of three farm laws and asked the committee formed by it concerning the three farm laws to submit its report within two months.

21:21 January 27

45 buses damaged in Jan 26 violence, says DTC

At least 45 Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were damaged in the violence on Republic Day as section of farmers, who deviated from the agreed route for the tractor parade and entered the city, clashed with the police, an official said.

"As of now, I can only say that information we have received that 45 buses got damaged in Tuesday's protest. A meeting of senior officials is scheduled to review the matter," an official at the DTC head office told.

When asked if the DTC has estimated the total loss of revenue due to damage of buses or will seek recoveries of its damage, the official said, "A meeting is scheduled for a review on the total loss of busses and then only would I be able to say what further action is to be taken."

21:20 January 27

Deep Sidhu skipped NIA summons in SFJ case

Punjabi actor and singer Deep Sidhu, who is accused of instigating the farmers to hoist a pennant on the Red Fort, did not appear before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) last week after he was summoned in connection with the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) case, sources said on Wednesday.

Sidhu was seen with a group of agitating farmers while hoisting a pennant on a flagpole at the ramparts of the Red Fort on Tuesday afternoon.

The NIA source said that Sidhu was asked to appear before the agency on January 17 as a witness. "But he did not appear despite a summons issued to him," the source said.

When asked if the NIA has served any fresh summons to him, the source said, "No fresh summons have been issued to him as of now."

21:19 January 27

NSUI files complaint against Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu

A day after some protesting farmers hoisted a pennant at the Red Fort, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) - the Congress' student wing - on Wednesday demanded registration of a case against Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu over the violence in Delhi.

NSUI General Secretary Nagesh Kariyappa and NSUI National Secretary Hussain Sultania filed a complaint with Delhi Police Commissioner S.N. Shrivastava and demanded appropriate action against Sidhu. They also wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding action against Sidhu.

In their complaint to the police commissioner, Kariyappa said it was wrong and shameful to carry out such a well-planned conspiracy by "anti-social elements" like Sidhu.
 

21:08 January 27

Farmer unions postpone Feb 1 march to Parliament

A day after violence in Delhi during their tractor march, the farmer unions protesting against farm laws have postponed their proposed march to parliament on February 1.

The decision was announced at a joint press conference by members of Samyukt Kisan Morcha at Singhu border. The farmer unions also said their agitation against three farm laws will continue. 

BKU leader Balbir S Rajewal said at the press conference that the proposed march had been postponed due to incidents in the national capital on Tuesday. "On Martyrs' Day, we'll hold public rallies across India. We will also keep a one-day fast. Our March to the Parliament on February 1 stands postponed for now due to this (yesterday's violence)," he said. Union budget will be presented on February 1.

20:59 January 27

Ajay Gohana, farmer who lost his life after his tractor turned turtle

A 19-year-old farmer who had actively participated in the farmer protest till Tuesday has died today after his tractor turned turtle. According to reports, Ajay Gohana, the deceased, belonged to Haryana's Kaithal district. 

20:31 January 27

Balbir Singh Rajewal, Bhartiya Kisan Union (R) press briefing key points:

• The rally fell prey to govt conspiracy.
• Despite attempts to break it, 99.9% of farmers were peaceful.
• Some incidents took place.
• Govt put Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee members in front of blockade put for us, no blockade for them.
• On Martyrs' Day, we'll hold public rallies across India on behalf of the farmers' agitation.
• We will also keep a one-day fast.
• Our March to the Parliament on Feb 1st stands postponed for now due to yesterday violence.

20:30 January 27

BJP MP condemns violence during farmers' protest, says Delhi Police capable of dealing with situation

BJP MP Lt General DP Vats (retired) on Wednesday condemned the violence during the tractor march by farmers in the national capital on Tuesday and said Delhi Police is capable of dealing with the situation. "Delhi Police has a lot of options to take care of the situation and paramilitary forces have already been deployed," the Rajya Sabha MP said answering a query.

20:29 January 27

Allahabad HC questions personal bonds sought from farmers

The Allahabad High Court has sought a response from the district administration in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur on the "exorbitant" amount of personal bonds and sureties sought from farmers, to prevent them from participating in the ongoing farm protests.

A division bench of Justices Ramesh Sinha and Justice Rajeev Singh sought the reply on a PIL plea filed by Lucknow-based social activist Arundhati Dhuru.

Dhuru said in the petition that Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) in various districts of the state, including Sitapur, had issued notices to thousands of farmers under Section 111 of the CrPC. The farmers were informed that the police suspected that they may get involved in the ongoing farmer's protest and commit a breach of peace.

Dhuru said that several orders were passed on December 19 by SDMs of the different areas of the district, issuing notices to farmers, including women, calling them to furnish personal bonds of Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh and two sureties in the like amount, on the apprehension that he or she would violate the law and order in the light of the ensuing farmers protest in the district.

The court has asked the administration under what circumstances farmers were asked to furnish such "exorbitant" amount of personal bond and two sureties. The matter would be heard on February 2.

20:29 January 27

Protest has gone out of farmer leaders' control: Haryana CM

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday condemned the violent incidents in New Delhi, especially at the Red Fort, and said the farmers' protest has now gone out of control of their leaders and has deviated from its direction.

He appealed to the farmers to return to their homes after Tuesday's unfortunate incidents.

The Chief Minister said a special Cabinet meeting convened here on Tuesday evening was unanimous in its view that the people must together foil the nefarious intentions of anti-social elements and cooperate in maintaining peace and harmony.

No Indian could tolerate unfurling of a flag other than the national flag at the Red Fort. Doing so is an insult to those great freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives so that the Tricolour could fly high on the ramparts of the Red Fort, Khattar added.

"Our freedom fighters did not earn freedom for us to spread such anarchy," he said.

18:58 January 27

My head hangs in shame, says Punjab CM over tractor rally violence

Deploring the Republic Day violence in Delhi, especially at the Red Fort, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday termed it an insult to the nation and said it had brought shame to the country and weakened farmers’ agitation, but made it clear that he continued to stand with the farmers as the Farm Laws were wrong and against India’s federal ethos.

Stressing that the Red Fort is a symbol of independent India and thousands of Indians had given up their lives for independence and to see the national flag flying atop the fort, the Chief Minister said Mahatama Gandhi had fought the entire war of independence through non-violence. “My head hangs in shame at what happened yesterday in the national capital,” he said.

18:18 January 27

Maharashtra HM demands independent probe in R-day violence

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, while speaking to media on Wednesday demanded an independent probe in the violence that erupted during tractor rally on Republic day.

"Before yesterday, all the farmers have been protesting peacefully. All of sudden, violence erupted which ultimately malign the image of the farmers. This should be investigated as it raises several questions over the timing."

18:04 January 27

Delhi Police FIR update:

• 37 farmer leaders including Medha Patkar, Buta Singh, Yogendra Yadav held responsible for yesterday's violence, in one of the FIRs by Delhi Police.
• FIR states that acts like not following mutually agreed route and timing of farmers' rally to disrupt R-Day parade were done.

18:00 January 27

Actor-turned-farmer activist Deep Sidhu responsible for tractor rally violence: Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee

General Secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarwan Singh Pandher said that anti-social elements like actor-turned-farmer activist Deep Sidhu and others, played a role like a 'torpedo' to sabotage the farmers' agitation.

Condemning the violent incidents during the tractor rally on Republic Day that left a farmer dead and many others injured, the organisations appealed to the farmers to "stay at the protest venues and continue a peaceful protest".

17:45 January 27

Security heightened at Red Fort, Singhu border, Tikri border post farmers' tractor rally violence

A day after the violence broke out during a tractor rally in various parts of the national capital, security has been heightened at the Red Fort, Singhu border, (Delhi-Haryana border), where farmers have been protesting against agricultural laws for over two months. A large number of security forces has been deployed at the protest site.

17:09 January 27

'Farmer who died during tractor parade was not shot by police'

Avinash Chandra, ADG Bareilly in Rampur said that the post mortem report clarified that he (The farmer who died during the tractor rally in Delhi yesterday) was not shot. He succumbed to the antemortem injuries which he received after his tractor turned turtle as seen in the viral video.

17:08 January 27

Twitter suspends over 550 accounts after violence during farmers' Republic Day tractor rally 

Twitter on Wednesday suspended over 550 accounts from its platform in connection with the violence during the farmers' tractor rally in the national capital on the 72nd Republic Day. A Twitter spokesperson told that the platform has also labelled tweets which were found to be in violation of its "synthetic and manipulated media policy".

"We have taken strong enforcement action to protect the conversation on the service from attempts to incite violence, abuse, and threats that could trigger the risk of offline harm by blocking certain terms that violate our rules for trends, the spokesperson said.

"Using a combination of technology and human review, Twitter worked at scale and took action on hundreds of accounts and Tweets that have been in violation of the Twitter Rules, and suspended more than 550 accounts engaged in spam and platform manipulation," the spokesperson said.

17:05 January 27

Bhartiya Kisan Union also withdraws its support 

Soon after Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan withdraw their support to the farm protest, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) also announced to depart from the protesting group. This comes after deadly violence erupted during the tractor rally on Tuesday.

Bhanu group was leading the protest from the Chilla border- a carriageway from Delhi to Noida, for the last 58 days.

17:05 January 27

VM Singh, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan on yesterday's violence.

16:45 January 27

The Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan (RKMS) on Wednesday withdrew from the farmers protest on the borders of the national capital against the Centre's farm laws. Addressing a press conference at the Ghazipur border, convener of the Sangathan, VM Singh said that they cannot carry the protest forward with people whose direction is different. 

The decision came a day after violence in Delhi during the tractor march carried out by farmer unions.

"We can't carry forward a protest with someone whose direction is not with the issue. I wish them the best but VM Singh and Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan are withdrawing from this protest right away. This is the decision of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan and not of the AIKSCC (All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee). This is the decision of VM Singh, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan and all office bearers," Singh said. 

He alleged that Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait had not raised the issue of farmers from Uttar Pradesh in meetings with Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

16:37 January 27

Farmer Leader Sardar VM Singh withdraws protest from Ghazipur Site

VM Singh, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan has said that the organisation can't carry forward a protest with someone whose direction is something else.

"So, I wish them the best but VM Singh and All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee are withdrawing from this protest right away", added Singh.

16:04 January 27

Here's how protest turned violent at ITO: Delhi Police

Delhi Police's FIR on ITO mentions the sequence of the incident:

1. Farmers started coming towards Central Delhi and constant requests of maintaining law and order were made to them. 
2. A farmer died after his tractor overturned.
3. Police and others started rescuing them but the protesting farmers came there with tractors and attempted to hit Police officials. 
4. The police had a close shave and left from the spot.
5. They got to know that the farmer succumbed to his injuries.

15:57 January 27

INLD MLA Abhay Singh Chautala quits

INLD MLA Abhay Singh Chautala quits; Speaker accepts his resignation

Indian National Lok Dal legislator Abhay Singh Chautala, who represents Ellenabad assembly seat,  resigned from Haryana Assembly over the controversial farm laws on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker accepted his resignation.

Earlier, he had announced to quit the state assembly if the Centre failed to resolve the farmer issues by Tuesday.

15:34 January 27

HM Amit Shah seeks detailed report on Delhi violence 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is holding a high-level meeting at his residence with Delhi Police Commissioner, Union Home Secretary and other MHA officials over the situation in the national capital after Tuesday's violence that broke out amid farmers' tractors rally.

As per the sources, the Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava is briefing Union Home Minister about the actions taken by the Delhi Police and FIRs filed in connection with the violence.

Around 200 protesters have been detained by Delhi Police on charges of rioting, damaging public property and attacking police personnel.

The Union Home Minister is also reviewing the security arrangements in the border areas of Delhi and has asked for strict vigilance in an around the sensitive places of Central Delhi.

15:31 January 27

Culture Ministry seeks detailed report at Red Fort violence

Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, after inspecting the Red Fort- a 17th-century monument, which has witnessed a violent clash on Tuesday, said that the Ministry has sought a two-direction report from the Delhi police which would be handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs at earliest as possible. The ministry directed to lodge an FIR immediately against the mob who were involved in the violent protest. 

15:07 January 27

Delhi Police to hold press conference at 4 pm today

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, during a press conference, has informed that the Delhi Police will hold a press briefing at 4 pm today and all questions regarding the violence during farmers' tractor rally will be answered.

14:57 January 27

'Conspiracy of govt' led to a violent episode: Samyukt Kisan Morcha

Samyukt Kisan Morcha, who was leading the tractor rally on Tuesday said that most of the farmer organisations who are part of the ongoing farmers' agitation held a meeting under the chairmanship of Balbir Singh Rajewal on Wednesday.

Sincere appreciation was conveyed to struggling farmers for extending an unprecedented response to Kisan Republic Day Parade, they said.

"The concerned organisations discussed the violent incidents in New Delhi and concluded that the Union Government has been severely shaken by this peasant agitation. Therefore, a dirty conspiracy was hatched with Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and others against the peaceful struggle of other farmer organizations, who had set up their own separate protest site after 15 days of the beginning of this farmers' agitation. They were not part of the organisations which jointly undertook the struggle", said the Kisan organisation.

14:54 January 27

FIR against several farm leaders including Rakesh Tikait: Delhi Police

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait is among the farmer leaders who have been named in the FIR filed by Delhi Police, for the violence that broke out in various parts of the national capital during the farmers' tractor rally on Tuesday. The FIR charges them for breach of No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued regarding the rally.

"FIR by Delhi Police mentions the names of farmer leaders Darshan Pal, Rajinder Singh, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Buta Singh Burjgil and Joginder Singh Ugraha for breach of NOC issued regarding farmers' tractor rally. FIR also mentions the name of BKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikait," said Delhi Police in a statement on Wednesday.

14:07 January 27

Farmers' protest is people's movement

Reacting on the violence on January 26 during tractor rally, Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni said that what happened on the Red Fort today is highly condemnable. He also said that the moment should not be given a religious colour as it is farmers movement and not of any particular sect or community.

We also condemn the actions od Deep Sindhu as we had no plans to march to Red fort and unfurl the flag.

13:43 January 27

Amit Shah to chair high-level meet

Amit Shah will chair a high-level meeting with Home Secretary, Delhi Police including IB and other stakeholders in connection with Delhi mayhem.
 

13:18 January 27

Delhi police arrest 93 people 

Over 93 people were arrested and over 200 protesters who took part in the demonstration during the tractor rally have been detained by the Delhi Police. In this case, an FIR has been registered by the Delhi Police against the farmer leaders who had sought permission for the rally. At present, investigation of the entire case is being handed over to the Crime Branch of Delhi Police.

 According to the information, the Delhi Police had allowed farmers leaders to take out a tractor rally with 37 conditions. But during the rally held on Tuesday, all the conditions were violated. Farmers in various areas of Delhi created a situation of chaos during which more than 300 policemen were hurt.    

FIR filed against farmer leaders

A total of 22 FIRs have been registered so far on behalf of Delhi Police. The names of the farmer leaders are also included because they had assured to follow the rules set by the police. But during the tractor rally, all these rules were violated. At present, the police has not disclosed which farmer leaders have been named. However, sources say that the names of most of the leaders who sought permission for the tractor rally have been named as accused in this FIR.

The crime branch will investigate the case

11:55 January 27

Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel visits Red Fort
 

11:53 January 27

Vandalised ticket counter at Red fort

Broken shards of glass, scattered pieces of paper and vandalised ticket counter seen at the Red Fort in Delhi.  

A group of protestors climbed to the ramparts of the fort and unfurled flags on January 26.

11:48 January 27

More than 300 Police personnel have been injured after being attacked by agitating farmers on January 26: Delhi Police

11:31 January 27

Internet services restored

Internet services which were snapped in Delhi amid the clashes over tractor rally have been restored.

11:24 January 27

Case registered against several people in Haryana

A case was registered against several people in Gadpuri police station over the clash with police amid tractor rally on January 26.

The case ha been registered under various sections including sections 307, 323 and 186 for attempt to murder and obstructing government work.

The police have registered the case on the complaint of a policeman from Gadpuri police station. As of now, the police have neither detained any farmer nor arrested any farmer.

11:12 January 27

We had no plans to unfurl flags

Some miscreants joined the protest to defame farmers' movement. We did not plan to unfurl the flags at Red Fort, this was not our program. Deep Sidhu's photo with the PM has floated, we had already expressed doubt over him: SS Pandher, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee

11:10 January 27

 Heavy security deployment at Tikri border

Delhi: Heavy security deployment at Tikri border where farmers are protesting against Farm Laws.

10:44 January 27

Several farmers returning home

Several farmers who were the part of tractor rally on January 26 are now returning home. Earlier,  there were lakhs of tractors on the seen lined up on Delhi highway, however, the number has reduced to few tractors now.

The tractor rally took an ugly turn on Tuesday when thousands of farmers swarmed into Red fort and hoisted a flag on the flag top there.

A clash between the protesters and police also took place during which many policemen were injured.

10:14 January 27

Mayawati condemns violence by protesting farmers, urges Centre to repeal agri laws  

Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday condemned the violence during the farmers' protest in the national capital on Republic Day and said that the Central government must take this incident very seriously. She appealed to the Central Government to withdraw the three agricultural laws so that no such incident happens in the future. 

"Whatever happened during the farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day in the country's capital, Delhi yesterday, it should not have happened at all. This is very unfortunate and the Central government must also take it very seriously," the BSP chief tweeted.

"It is an appeal to the Central Government to withdraw the three agricultural laws immediately and end the long-running agitation of the farmers so that no such untoward incident can happen again," she added.

10:14 January 27

Heightened security at Red Fort day after chaos during tractor rally  

Beefed up security was visible at Red Fort in the national capital on January 27, a day after chaos ensued during the farmers’ tractor rally which turned violent at several places. National Capital witnessed violence yesterday, during farmers’ tractor rally to mark Republic Day. 

A group of protestors also climbed to the ramparts of the fort and unfurled flags. Security is also heightened at the Singhu Border, the prime site for farming protestors who are there for last two months demonstrating against the three farm laws.

10:11 January 27

This is farmers' movement, not of Sikhs

Commenting over the violence during tractor rally, Bharat Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait said that uneducated people were driving tractors, they didn't know the paths of Delhi. Administration told them the way towards Delhi. They went to Delhi and returned home. Some of them unknowingly deflected towards Red Fort. Police guided them to return. He also said that those who created violence and unfurled flags at Red Fort will have to pay for their deeds. For the last two months, a conspiracy is going on against a particular community. This is not a movement of Sikhs, but of farmers.

He also added that Deep Sidhu who hoisted the flag on Red fort is not a Sikh, he is a worker of the BJP. There is a picture of him with the PM. This is a movement of farmers and will remain so. Some people will have to leave this place immediately- those who broke barricading will never be a part of the movement  

Commenting on viral video where he was seen appealing to his supporters to be armed with lathis, he said that I had told them to bring their own sticks. Please show me a flag without a stick, I will accept my mistake.

09:54 January 27

 22 FIRs registered by Delhi Police

The Delhi Police has registered 22 FIRs so far in connection with the violence that broke out during the farmers' tractor parade in the national capital leaving over 100 policemen injured, officials said on Wednesday.

Additional PRO (Delhi Police), Anil Mittal, said 22 FIRs have been so far registered in connection with Tuesday's violence.

More than 100 policemen have been injured in the incident, he said.

The Sayunkt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which comprises various farmer organisations, had proposed a "Kisan Tractor Rally" on Republic Day. The SKM had held several rounds of meetings with the Delhi Police in connection with their tractor parade.

They had given an undertaking to the police to take out a peaceful rally as per the proposed plans on four agreed-upon routes.

09:39 January 27

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh blames police for  Delhi violence

Blaming the Delhi police for violence on Republic day, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that farmer union leaders caught hold of 15 government employees who were without valid i-cards and were a part of the rally. 

He said that the Delhi police brushed the matter under the carpet. 

Delhi police did not reveal the identity of those people. 

He further said that farmers protest was going on peacefully till the police changed the route of the rally in Ghazipur which led to one farmer being shot.

07:09 January 27

Entry gates of Lal Quila metro station closed

Entry gates of Lal Quila metro station are closed. Exit is permitted at this station. All other stations are open. Normal services on all lines: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

06:33 January 27

Protestors attack policemen during rally

In a video which has gone viral, a section of protestors can be seen attacking police personnel who were trying to stop them entering the Red Fort. The cops were seen running for their lives, jumping off from a Red Fort wall to drop at least 15 feet on the ground.

In the video, several lathi-wielding attackers were seen hitting the cops. The footage also showed cops being thrashed with lathis and stick

06:16 January 27

R-DAY tractor parade: Delhi Police registers 22 FIRs

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered seven FIRs in connection with the protesting farmers' tractor parade in the national capital, officials said here.

"Three FIRs were registered in east district, three in Dwarka and one in Shahdara district," a police official said. 

More FIRs are expected to be registered, the police said. 

Earlier in the day, the tractor parade meant to highlight the demands of the farmer unions dissolved into anarchy on the streets of the city as tens of thousands of protesters broke through barriers, fought with police, overturned vehicles and hoisted a religious flag from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort. 

According to a statement by police, 86 personnel have reported injuries in the violence.

A protester died after his tractor overturned near ITO, one of the major flashpoints of trouble.

The Sayunkt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which comprises various farmer organisations, had proposed a "Kisan Tractor Rally" on Republic Day. The SKM had held several rounds of meetings with the Delhi Police in connection with their proposed tractor parade, the statement said.

They had given an undertaking to the police to take out a peaceful rally as per the proposed plans on four agreed-upon routes, it added. 

However, on Tuesday around 8.30 am, 6,000 to 7,000 tractors assembled at the Singhu border, it said.

Instead of going on the pre-decided route, they insisted upon going towards central Delhi and despite repeated requests, the farmers, led by Nihangs on their horses and equipped with swords, kirpans and fursas, charged at the police and broke through several layers of barricades, which were erected between Mukarba Chowk and Transport Nagar, the statement said.

Similar incidents were reported from Gazipur and Tikri borders. 

The farmers at the Gazipur border broke through the barricades at several points and headed for ITO, where they were joined by the farmers who had come from the Singhu border, it said. 

At the Tikri border also, the farmers did not agree to the pre-decided plan and fought with police. They not only broke barricades, but also attacked police vehicles and personnel with deadly weapons. Instead of turning towards Najafgarh, they headed towards Peeragarhi and further towards the central part of the national capital, the statement further said.

At ITO, a large group of farmers, who had come from Gazipur and Singhu borders, attempted to move towards Luytens' Delhi. When they were stopped by policemen, a group of these farmers became violent and broke the barricades, damaged iron grills and dividers and even tried to run over the policemen deployed at these barricades, the police said in the statement.

However, police personnel succeeded in stopping them from entering Lutyens' Delhi. Meanwhile, some farmers also indulged in vandalism and attacked policemen. Later, they changed their plans and moved towards Red Fort, it said.

At Red Fort, they broke the gates and entered its wells. A section of the crowd also managed to climb atop the rampart of the Red Fort where they hoisted their organisation's flag, the statement said.

Police managed to remove the crowd from the rampart. The struggle between the police and the farmers continued throughout the day until late evening, the statement said, adding that most of the incidents were reported from Mukarba Chowk, Ghazipur, A-Point ITO, Seemapuri, Nangloi T-Point, Tikri Border and Red Fort. 

PTI REPORT