Indian police violent against farmers in New Delhi

New Delhi: Thousands of farmers protesting against agricultural reforms trench-passed hurdles to enter the Indian Capital. After entering the historic Red Fort complex in the capital, the farmers hoisted Khalistan flag up at Delhi's Iconic Red Fort.

The police fired tear gas to confine farmers, shortly after a group of tractors trundled through the city's outskirts. Infuriated by new agricultural laws, cultivators say this law would help large and private buyers at the expense of poor producers. The farmers are of the opinion that the law passed by Indian Parliament last September will lead to commercialisation of agriculture, making farmers extremely vulnerable to corporate greed. They think that the move would also impact their earnings.

The protesting farmers have reached a major intersection 3km from where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-level government officials are watching a giant military parade on the account of Republic Day.

Farmers, wearing typical colourful turbans, raised anti-Modi slogans and what they call his “black laws.”

The farmers had used cranes and ropes to tear down road blocks miles from routes approved by the law enforcement agencies. Earlier Police had closed entrances to the city with containers and trucks, but had to use tear gas and batons as the farmers broke through. Thousands more marched on foot while dancing and singing, and at many places they were sprinkled with flower petals by residents. Police in riot gear used tear gas and water cannon at two places to push back the marchers who tried to knock down hurdles. Authorities also parked large trucks to cordon multiple routes so that farmers could not march to the interiors of the capital.

On the other hand Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a Tweet said, ‘Violence is not the solution to any problem. If anyone gets hurt, the damage will be done to our country. Take back the anti-agricultural laws in national i

As per Indian media, efforts were being taken to convince the farmers to back off and adhere to police instructions.

The protesting unions of farmers have also announced a foot march to Parliament on February 1, when the annual Budget is scheduled to be presented.