Farmers’ Tractor Rally: Samyukta Kisan Morcha Cries Foul, Says ‘Anti-Social Elements Infiltrated Peaceful Movement’

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha said “peace is our biggest strength and any violation would hurt the movement”.

Courtesy: PTI Image

New Delhi: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Tuesday distanced itself from the ongoing violence being witnessed in the national capital during the Farmers’ Tractor Rally and alleged that some anti-social elements infiltrated the otherwise peaceful movement. 

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha said, “peace is our biggest strength and any violation would hurt the movement”.

“Despite all our efforts, some organisations and individuals violated the route and indulged in condemnable acts. The anti-social elements infiltrated the otherwise peaceful movement,” ANI quoted the Samyukta Kisan Morcha as saying.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, which is a United Front of over 40 Indian farmers unions, condemned the violence that took place during the farmers’ 'Kisan Gantantra Parade'.

“We thank farmers for their unprecedented participation in today's Farmers Republic Day Parade. We also condemn and regret the undesirable and unacceptable events that have taken place today and dissociate ourselves from those indulging in such acts,” the Samyukta Kisan Morcha said. 

Earlier, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait alleged the people from political parties are trying to malign the farmers’ agitation.

Dramatic scenes were witnessed after the agitating farmers clashed with the Delhi Police personnel near the ITO intersection in central Delhi, with the cops firing tear gas shells and resorting to baton-charge to disperse the farmers.

The farmers, who started their parade much ahead of the scheduled timing entered the national capital defying the agreement of the scheduled time of tractor rally and creating multiple fronts at Karnal Bypass, Mukarba Chowk, Transport Nagar, Akshardham, Gazipur and Tikri border.

Some farmers armed with swords were also seen clashing with the police. The farmers also damaged several vehicles with their tractors. They also pelted stones at the police personnel.

The Delhi Police had on Sunday given permission for the tractor rally after the annual Republic Day parade.