Violence at Tractor Rally: Who said what on farmers-police clashes   

Centre's insensitive attitude responsible?

Tractor march in the national capital turned violent on January 26 as farmers participating in a tractor rally clashed with the police, broke barricades and stormed the Red Fort. The Delhi police has alleged that protesting farmers violated the conditions pre-agreed for their tractor parade and indulge in violence and vandalism. Amid the chaos, the police had to resort to firing tear gas shells and use water cannons to stop the farmers from entering central Delhi.

Soon after the clashes broke out, many political leaders took to their respective social media handles to express their views on the violence that broke out on the streets of the national capital.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said violence is not the solution to any problem and sought repeal of the three farm laws in "national interest". Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said, “Violence is not the solution to any problem. If anyone gets hurt, the damage will happen to our country. Take back the anti-farmer law for the benefit of the country.”

The Aam Aadmi Party blamed the government for letting the situation deteriorate. Party tweeted: ““We strongly condemn the violence seen in today's protest. It is regrettable that the Central govt allowed the situation to deteriorate to such an extent. The movement has been peaceful for the last two months”

BJP MP from North-East Delhi Gautam Gambhir said, “Violence and vandalism will lead us nowhere. I urge everyone to maintain peace & honour agreements. Today is not the day for such chaos.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held the Centre’s “insensitive attitude” for violent clashes between protesting farmers and police in Delhi on Republic Day. She tweeted: “Deeply disturbed by worrying & painful developments that have unfolded on the streets of Delhi. Centre's insensitive attitude and indifference towards our farmer brothers & sisters has to be blamed for this situation.”

In another tweet she wrote: “First, these laws were passed without taking farmers in confidence. And then despite protests across India & farmers camping near Delhi for last 2 months, they've been extremely casual in dealing with them. Centre should engage with the farmers & repeal the draconian laws.”

Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor said, “Most unfortunate. I have supported the farmers’ protests from the start but I cannot condone lawlessness. And on Republic Day no flag but the sacred tiranga should fly aloft the Red Fort.”

Union minister Prahlad Singh Patel said, “The Red Fort is a symbol of the dignity of our democracy, the agitators should have stayed away from the Red Fort. I condemn the violation of its dignity. It is sad and unfortunate.”

Scenes of chaos and mayhem unfolded at Delhi borders as groups of farmers broke barricades and police check posts and entered the national capital before permitted timings. Police used tear gas at Delhi's Mukarba Chowk, Nangloi to bring the groups under control. Clashes were also reported at ITO, Akshardham as well.

Meanwhile, 'high alert' has been sounded in Punjab and Haryana in light of the violence. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has further ordered the deployment of additional troops in parts of the national capital to contain the unrest.