The Delhi Police had earlier given permission to protesting farmers to carry out their proposed tractor rally against new farm reforms by the Narendra Modi government.
Indian farmer rallies during Republic Day have turned violent, with protesters and police filmed clashing, and officers reportedly using tear gas. Police used their batons to disperse the rallies, while some protesters were spotted wielding swords.
Clashes in the capital and in other cities across the country erupted as Indians were celebrating the holiday, marking the 72nd anniversary of the day the Constitution of India came into effect.
The banner hoisted instead of the Indian tricolour seems to be a flag of the Khalistan movement, which is seeking to create an independent state for Sikhs in Punjab.
“Old farmers are sitting at the borders of the national capital, not for themselves but their children and future generations”, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said.
“Be peaceful, and the country is with you. 122 MPs in the UK had spoken in favour of the farmers and other countries had also supported the protests as the farmers had been peaceful all along”, he added.
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