Farmers’ protest: Farmers across India gear up for R-Day tractor rally as Delhi Police give nod
The farmers have promised that their rally will remain peaceful. They plan to deploy 2,500 volunteers to facilitate the movement of the vehicles tomorrow.
FollowNew Delhi: As farmers protesting against the Centre's new farm laws have received permission to hold a tractor rally on Republic Day, thousands have started marching towards Delhi borders to participate in the rally.
Agriculture organisations have decided to hold similar parades at state and district headquarters across the country.
"Today there was a short meeting with officers of Delhi Police. We have got formal permission from police for the tractor rally. As I told earlier, 'Kisan Gantantra Parade' will be held on January 26 in a peaceful manner," said Yogendra Yadav, whose Swaraj India has been supporting the farmers' agitation against the three central farm laws.
The Delhi Police, however, has issued a series of restrictions, saying permission was given only to show respect for the farmers' demand. "Protesting farmers can enter Delhi but can't disturb the Republic Day parade," the Delhi Police said on Sunday evening, declaring that the tractor rally will begin after the day's traditional big parade on Rajpath, which terminates at the iconic Red Fort close to noon.
Three alternate routes have been decided upon by farmers and Delhi Police during a meeting. The farmers -- who have been sitting on protest outside the borders of Delhi for nearly two months -- will have to enter the city to access the Ring Road.
The police said, the farmers can enter Delhi for a few kilometres and then exit at designated spots. While the number of participating tractors is yet to be decided, the route has been fixed in such a way that it can be protected.
Indicating that heightened security will be provided for the rally, the Delhi Police said their personnel, who will be posted for the Republic Day parade, will have to be ready for further deployment on short notice.
Christened 'Kisan Ganatantra Parade', the tractor rally will mark the two months of farmers' protest against the three central farm laws passed in September last year.
The farmers have promised that their rally will remain peaceful. They plan to deploy 2,500 volunteers to facilitate the movement of the vehicles tomorrow.
