MHA suspends internet services in Delhi’s border areas, metro stations closed down; police action in Red fort

NEW DELHI: The Union Home Ministry has ordered to temporarily suspend telecom services in border areas of Delhi – Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri, Mukarba Chowk, Nangloi — from 12:00 pm to 11:59 pm after clashes between protesting farmers and security personnel escalated on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha issued a joint statement on clashes during farmers’ protest, distancing itself from the ‘violent elements’.

Groups of protesting farmers on Tuesday entered Red Fort after breaching police barricades, attacking personnel and even vandalising a bus at ITO. Meanwhile, one protester has been killed near ITO after he was shot at and the tractor he was driving turned turtle. A cop has also been injured at Red Fort.

The chaos unfolded despite the police giving farmers camping at Delhi’s three borders — Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur — permission to hold rallies on specific routes, only after the official Republic Day parade at Rajpath. As per the agreement, farmers were to remain in the adjoining areas of the borders and not venture towards Central Delhi. The police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas to control the protesters after they breached the barricades at the three borders.

The tractors rally will mark the completion of two months of protest against the Centre’s contentious farm laws by farmers camping at the borders of Delhi. Farmer leaders also announced a plan to march on foot to Parliament on February 1, the day the Union Budget will be presented.

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