Farmers' Tractor March: UN Secretary Gen Guterres Calls For Non-Violence, Says "Respect Peaceful Protests"

When asked about the violence that broke out in Delhi yesterday, UN Secretary General said there should be respect for peaceful protests.

Antonio Guterres (Image/AP)

New Delhi: Reacting to the protests that broke out in Delhi on Tuesday, January 26th 2021, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for non-violence and for respecting peaceful protests. According to IANS reports, on Tuesday his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said "As we say (in) many of these cases, I think it's important to respect peaceful protests, freedom of assembly and non-violence," in a reply to a question about the Delhi violence during the protests.

It was all chaotic as pandemonium ensued in the national capital after protesting farmers clashed with police at several places and entered Red Fort hoisting their flag. Things went south when hundreds of farmers participating in the tractor rally, on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day, deviated from pre-decided routes.

Scenes of agitated protesters vandalizing a bus at ITO and using tractors to run over police personnel were captured. Chaos erupted at the borders of the capital as protesters were lathi-charged and tear-gassed by policemen. With the violence swelling up the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closure of entry/exit gates of Delhi Gate metro station. The Delhi Police had given permission to farmers protesting the three farm laws to hold their tractor parade on selected routes only after the official Republic Day parade concludes.

Denouncing the violence during the 'Kisan Gantantra Parade' in the national capital, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday urged all “genuine farmers to vacate Delhi and return to borders” while categorically stating the farmers’ leaders have already categorically dissociated themselves from the violence.