Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting, directs additional security

As the unprecedented chaos continued due to the confrontation at some points between Delhi Police, and some volatile groups that were with the larger farmer contingent marching towards the city, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level meeting. The emergency meeting was called to discuss the law and order situation in the national capital region. According to multiple news reports, the Home Minister has directed additional security forces to remain on alert in Delhi.

As a group of farmers breached police barriers, police used tear gas and lathi-charge to disburse the surging crowds. A group of protesters also reached the ramparts of the Red Fort, and others entered the city from various points. Lakhs of farmers have been protesting peacefully on the borders of Delhi, and not one single incidence of violence or chaos was reported from there for over two months now. However, it is being said that some unruly elements have created chaos on January 26, when all eyes are on Delhi for the Republic Day tractor march that was scheduled after consultations with and permission from Delhi Police. However, as some breached the barriers, chaos ensued.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took stock of the law and order situation in Delhi from senior Home Ministry officials, said news reports. According to news being shared on social media, there are allegations of right-wing disruptive forces having infiltrated the protest. And this group is also being blamed as those who climbed the Red Fort ramparts.

The farmer union leaders have continued to call for peace and cooperation in Delhi today, and have also reportedly “handed over 13 people with Govt ID cards to Police. These people were responsible for damaging the DTC buses at ITO. Police Joint Commissioner promised action”. 

Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed on the security situation, stated news reports. Internet continues to be suspended in the areas around border areas of Ghazipur, Singhu, Tikri border, as well as Mukarba Chowk, Nangloi and around till midnight of January 26. Several metro stations in Delhi were also shut down.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that forms the Delhi Government has said that they “strongly condemned” violence in today’s protest and blamed the Centre for allowing the situation to deteriorate, reported The Quint. “The movement has been peaceful for the last two months. Farmer leaders have said that those who indulged in violence today were not part of the movement and were external elements. Whoever they were, the violence has certainly weakened the movement which was going on so peacefully and in a disciplined manner,” the AAP has reportedly stated.

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