Farmer leaders betrayed Police, says CP, Delhi

The Delhi Police has said that the farmers violated the conditions agreed upon, which led to violence in the national capital. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava said that the police personnel had all the options, but chose to show restraint. Plans of the farmers' tractor rally for January 26 were first brought to the attention of the Delhi Police on January 2, the Commissioner said. He added, "As soon as we got the news, we started talks with them. Five rounds of talks were held with them."

"First we told them not to hold the rally on January 26 due to Republic Day but they insisted on that. Then, we asked them to hold the march on Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway where Delhi Police assured them of all support but then again, they insisted for the march to be in Delhi only," Commissioner Shrivastava said. "After five rounds of talk, we approved three routes: Singhu (63 km), Tikri (74 km) and then Ghazipur (46 km)."he added.

Srivastava said that leaders like Satnam Singh Pannu gave provocative speeches at Makarba chowk. Darshan Pal Singh also violated the agreement. From Ghazipur, they started their movement from 8.30 am while the timing given to them was 12 noon. He went on to add, "Leaders like Satnam Singh Pannu gave provocative speeches at Makarba chowk. Darshan Pal Singh also violated the agreement. From Ghazipur, they started their movement from 8.30 am while the timing given to them was 12 noon." many from Rakesh Tiket team broke barriers and marched forward. He added, "Farmer leaders were part of violence. 394 police personnel were injured, many are in ICU. 30 police vehicles were destroyed. Police used tear gas to stop farmers."