Kisan Kranti Padyatra: Delhi police use tear gas, water cannons to stop farmers

The Delhi Police used tear gas and cannons to dispersed the thousands of farmers from entering the national capital. The farmers who have come all the way to Delhi on foot have thronged at Delhi-UP border as part of their ‘Kisan Kranti Padyatra’ demanding loan waiver. They have reportedly 15-point charter of demands.

The prohibitory order had been issued ahead of massive farmers rally which is being led by Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait. They all are coming from Haridwar to New Delhi with their demands including loan waivers, clearance of pending sugarcane payments and implementation of the Swaminathan Committee Report.

#WATCH Visuals from UP-Delhi border where farmers have been stopped during ‘Kisan Kranti Padyatra’. Police use water cannons to disperse protesters after protesters broke the barricades pic.twitter.com/9KUwKgvrwW

— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2018

“We will continue our march till our demands are met. The talks (with the ministers) should go on. Whenever we feel that our work is done, we will stop our protest. If farmers are given an assurance, they will be happy. We have already given four years to the government to meet our demands. It is time that our demands are met,” Tikait quoted by Hindustan Times as saying.

The clash broke out between Delhi Police and protesting farmer. One farmer has been injured as the clash turned violent. Section 144 has been imposed in the east Delhi and northeast. It should be noted that in east Delhi, the Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code will be in force till October 4 while in the northeast, it will be in force till October 4.

Visuals from UP-Delhi border where farmers have been stopped during ‘Kisan Kranti Padyatra’. Police use teargas shells to disperse protesters pic.twitter.com/ZlkodvZc3R

— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2018

According to the report, Farmers broke the barricades that were put up to prevent the protesting farmer from entering the Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said farmers should be allowed to enter Delhi. “Why are they not being allowed to enter Delhi? This is wrong. We are with the farmers.”

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav called it natural to protest if their demands are not fulfilled. He also said, “It is unfortunate and we fully support the farmers.”

Photo Credit: Hindustan Times

Also read: Rahul Gandhi addresses farmers’ rally in Mandsaur, MP today