Tractor Rally: Farmers Break Barricades, Cops Use Tear Gas, Lathi-Charge Amid Republic Day Celebrations

Thousands of farmers knocked down police barricades and entered Delhi on foot on the morning of January 26. Amid huge police presence, they kicked off their tractor rally against the government's new agricultural laws. With chaos unfolding near the city's borders, protesters were baton-charged & tear gas shells were fired by policemen. As India celebrates its 72nd Republic Day, farmers were allowed to hold their tractor rally, "Kisaan Parade", after the main event at the iconic Rajpath. However, crowds swelled at the borders at around 8 am even before the annual celebrations started. Some cops were injured while trying to stop the protesters. In unprecedented visuals, chaos could be seen unfolding at the Singhu border, which divides Delhi and Haryana, and Tikri border in the western part of the national capital. A dramatic video from Delhi's Akshardham showed policemen firing tear gas shells from an overbridge as protesters on road looked for cover. On January 24, Delhi Police had allowed the tractor rally after the annual Republic Day parade. The protesters were told they can't disrupt the celebrations at Rajpath even as the farmers insisted their parade will be "peaceful". Watch the video to know more.