Farmers' protest: Gates of some Delhi metro stations temporarily closed
What's the story
The entry and exit gates of more than ten metro stations in Central and North Delhi were temporarily closed on Tuesday following clashes between police and protesting farmers at a number of places. Police used tear gas on farmers and resorted to baton charge as protesters broke past barricades at different border points and did not take the pre-decided routes for their tractor parade.
DMRC takes action
DMRC took to Twitter to inform public about temporary closure
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation took to Twitter to inform the public about the temporary closure of metro station gates. To recall, Delhi Police had given permission to farmers to hold their tractor parade on selected routes only after the official Republic Day parade on the Rajpath concludes. However, chaos ensued as the farmers headed toward Central Delhi, way ahead of the designated time.
Twitter Post
Latest update: Delhi Gate metro station closes
Security Update
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें😷 (@OfficialDMRC) January 26, 2021
Entry/exit gates of Delhi Gate metro station are closed.
Twitter Post
Indraprastha metro station's doors shut
Security Update
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें😷 (@OfficialDMRC) January 26, 2021
Entry/exit gates of Indraprastha metro station are closed.
Twitter Post
ITO metro station closes
Security Update
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation I कृपया मास्क पहनें😷 (@OfficialDMRC) January 26, 2021
Entry/exit gates of ITO metro station are closed.
Reason behind tractor rally
Farmers planned tractor rally to express disdain toward farm laws
Notably, farmers, who have been camping at Delhi's borders for nearly two months now, had planned a tractor rally to coerce the government into rolling back three farm laws that they opine will be detrimental to their livelihoods. After it failed to convince farmers to drop the idea, Delhi Police granted the permission on Sunday. They had also decided the path for the rally.
What happened
What lead to the clash between the police and farmers?
Despite the instructions, some farmers refused to wait and entered Delhi before the slated time. The visuals from the Tikri border showed uniformed personnel standing close to barricades, asking farmers to stay put. However, protesters didn't pay attention and climbed on barricades instead. Some farmers were seen carrying flags of their organizations as well as the tricolor; many rode tractors.