Farmer unions condemn tractor rally chaos, say antisocial elements infiltrated agitation

Farmers' tractor rally against the contentious agricultural laws on Republic Day was "infiltrated by anti-social elements", the protesters' body Samyukt Kisan Morcha said in a statement this evening, hours after thousands of demonstrators clashed with policemen in different parts of Delhi. Protesters were tear-gassed and baton-charged shortly after they pushed down barricades at the borders this morning and stormed into the heart of the city amid celebrations for 72nd Republic Day.

One farmer died after a speeding tractor overturned in central Delhi's ITO, the police said. A large number of protesters stormed into the iconic Red Fort by afternoon. They were seen within the ramparts of the iconic Mughal-built monument, trying to put up their yellow flags at the spot where Prime Ministers hoist the national flag

"We thank farmers for the unprecedented participation in today's Farmers Republic Day Parade. We also condemn and regret the undesirable and unacceptable events that have taken place today and dissociate ourselves from those indulging in such acts," the farmers' body said.