Farmers Movement Archive

Delhi: 37 rules agreed upon for rally, most tossed aside

NEW DELHI: Right from the number of tractors, to the designated route and timing of entry and exit, the protesting farmers violated every condition they had agreed upon to get permission from Delhi Police for their rally. Based on these violations, many FIRs have been registered and the organisers have become liable for penal action. After multiple meetings were held between the farmers and police last week, it was agreed that a set of guidelines would have to be followed. In all, there were 37 conditions, many of which are relevant for any rally or demonstration. For this rally in particular, there were certain conditions that could not be violated given the fact that the march was being conducted on Republic Day. Times ViewViolence and vandalism only discredits a legitimate mass movement. It neither helps the agitators, nor their cause. Those engaged with the farmers’ protest must ponder over this hard truth and choose their mode of protest with utmost care.The foremost condition was that the rally would be taken out once the Republic Day parade was over and the force deployed there was diverted towards managing the rally. A time window of 12pm-5pm was agreed upon by both sides. However, this was their first violation. The protesting farmers first tried to barge their way in from Loni border on Monday night around 10pm. The group clashed with police and proceeded towards Red Fort, but was reigned in as Signature Bridge was closed just in time. On Tuesday morning, the first round of verbal confrontation with police over entry started as early as 6.30am. By 10am, a large number of tractors barged in from different borders even as the Republic Day parade was on. No predesignated routes were followed, which was another non-negotiable condition. The farmer leaders had promised to stick to the routes based on the threat perception to security. From Singhu border, the rally was to pass through Kanjhawala, KMP Expressway and return, while from Tikri border it was to pass through Nangloi, Najafgarh and Western Peripheral Expressway. From Ghazipur border, the farmers could march through Apsara border, Hapur and return to the protest site. However, all roads led to central Delhi. There was no limit on the number of tractors as the barricades at the border were forcibly removed, resulting in free entry. Tractors with modifications or armour-like structures were prohibited, but many were seen with them. No weapons, like swords, or intoxicating materials, including drugs and liquor, were allowed. The participants were prohibited from indulging in acrobatics, display of martial arts or stunt driving. However, the protesters brandished arms and performed stunts on bikes and tractors even at Red Fort. Police claimed to have seized liquor bottles from trolleys. At ITO, the tractors were driven dangerously to intimidate police. Also, no medical facilities were provided and the volunteers were seen resorting to violence at many places.

The Times of India

2021-01-27

Delhi