Indian farmers who stormed New Delhi’s Red Fort caused ‘insult’ to country, says Modi
- Tens of thousands of farmers have camped on the outskirts of the capital for more than two months to protest against new agricultural laws
- A tractor parade on Tuesday turned violent when some protesters deviated from pre-agreed routes, clashed with police and broke into the Red Fort complex
A tractor parade on Tuesday’s Republic Day turned violent when some protesters deviated from pre-agreed routes, clashing with police and breaking into the historic Red Fort complex in the capital. One died and hundreds were injured.
“The country was saddened by the insult to the Tricolor (Indian flag) on the 26th of January in Delhi,” Modi said in a radio address on Sunday. “The government is committed to modernising agriculture and is also taking many steps in that direction.”
Farm leaders say they were not responsible for violence, that was caused by a minority of those on the parade, and the government has left open the possibility talks between the two sides will resume.
Modi on Saturday told opposition party leaders an offer to freeze the laws for 18 months still stands, according to a government summary of the meeting.
Protesting Indian farmers start hunger strike, marking Gandhi anniversary
Agriculture employs about half of India’s labour force, and unrest among an estimated 150 million landowning farmers is one of the biggest challenges to Modi’s rule since he first came to power in 2014.
On Saturday, farmers taking part in the protests began a day-long hunger strike, as they sought to reaffirm the peaceful nature of their movement following recent violent clashes with police.
Farmer leaders said the hunger strike was timed to coincide with the death anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, who was famed for his nonviolent resistance to colonial rule. Nevertheless, the protesters said they remained furious at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.
“The way the government is spreading planned lies and violence is condemnable,” said a statement from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, or United Farmers’ Front, a coalition of farmers’ unions.
Indian farmers arm themselves with food and willpower to beat Modi
On Saturday authorities blocked mobile internet services at three protest sites, a favoured tactic of the Modi government to thwart protests. India’s Home Ministry said internet services would remain suspended until Sunday to “maintain public safety”.
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said the government was “in delusion if it feels our movement will be weakened” by suspending the internet.
“The more they try to crush the voice of the farmers, the greater this movement will become,” Tikait tweeted.
