The situation in Delhi, in the context of the farmers’ protests, appears to be spiralling out of control as farmers reneged on their promise of a peaceful rally and resorted to violence as police tried to stop their entry into roads that were not part of the agreed route.

Various farmers’ groups began the tractor rally before the time allotted by Delhi police. There had been differences in opinions regarding when to take out the rally. The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee had stated that they would not stick with the pre-decided routes. The violence broke out when the farmers took out the rally before the pre-decided time.

Visuals showed a tense situation at the ITO intersection as thousands of farmers tried to move ahead despite no permission from the Delhi Police. In fact, Indian express reported at 13:42 hours that protesting farmers have also reached the Red fort.

Also See: An overview of Farmers’ protests-role of Charan Singh

The routes for the tractor rally were pre-decided. But farmers today deviated from the agreed-upon routes, leading to a violent confrontation with the police.

The development comes in contrast to the promise held by the protesters to keep the rally peaceful, especially after the message given by the Punjab CM-Capt Amarinder Singh.

Meanwhile, senior farmer Balbir Singh Rajewal said that farmers were following the pre-decided route. He also added that no one from the Sankyukt Kisan Morcha went to the Outer Ring Road. “We condemn violence against farmers, & we appeal to all to maintain peace,” Rajewal told PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)