India: Farmers, police clash at Republic Day rally

Clashes between farmers, Delhi police break out at several locations in Delhi during tractor rally

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - A rally by protesting farmers in India's capital turned violent Tuesday as baton-wielding police intervened in the demonstration, firing tear gas into the crowds, according to local reports.

Live footage of the tractor rally aired by private broadcaster NDTV showed clashes at several points of New Delhi as the country celebrates its 72nd Republic Day.

The report also showed protesters pelting police with stones as security forces used tear gas to disperse the farmers.

An official from the Delhi police department told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity that the situation turned violent as the marching protesters veered onto a route that had not been pre-approved.

The NDTV report said the police stopped the tractors from moving towards the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, though the farmers managed to reach the landmark in large numbers.

Farmers in India have for months been protesting recent legislation, staging demonstrations outside New Delhi. They were allowed to organize a massive tractor rally in the capital on Tuesday to mark Republic Day.

Earlier in the morning, the official event marking Republic Day had concluded peacefully.

Kaynak:

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