‘Dirty Conspiracy’: Samyukta Kisan Morcha on 26 Jan Violence

Protesting farmers and their supporters seen through broken windshield of a vehicle after clashes with security personnel during their tractor march on Republic Day, at ITO in New Delhi, Tuesday, 26 Jan. 

(Photo: PTI)

Following the events of the Kisan Republic Day Parade, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held a meeting on Wednesday, 27 January, which was headed by Balbir Singh Rajewal. The farmer’s body alleged that a ‘dirty conspiracy’ was carried out ‘against the peaceful struggle of farmer organisations’.

A press note released by SKM on Wednesday evening alleged that the government, along with individuals like Deep Sidhu and organisations like Kisan Majdoor Sangarsh Committee led by S Satnam Singh Pannu, had made the movement violent.

The SKM also appealed to the people to “take up social boycott of elements like Deep Sidhu.”

“They had set up their own separate protest site after 15 days of starting this farmers' agitation and were not part of the organisations that jointly undertook the struggle (of peaceful farmers),” they had said in a statement earlier in the day, according to ANI.

Farmers Peaceful, Violence Orchestrated: SKM

The body also voiced their support and solidarity with the farmer organisations that participated in the Republic Day parade, while denouncing the violence that took place in pockets around the national capital.

“What was projected and witnessed by the public was orchestrated. The parade of the farmers was predominantly peaceful and on the agreed upon route. We strongly condemn the insult of national symbols, but the farmers' movement cannot be painted as 'violent' as violence was done by a few anti-social elements, who are not associated with us. Farmers on all borders reached to their original place by completing their respective parades in a peaceful way by yesterday itself,” the statement read.

The SKM also condemned the “police brutality unleashed on protesters” and demanded the immediate release of protesters arrested on Tuesday.

“We also demand strict action against those who have undignified and desecrated national symbols. Farmers are the biggest nationalists and they are protector of good image of nation,” the body said.

Farmers Postpone Budget Day March

The SKM on Wednesday also announced that they take the moral responsibility for some of the events of Tuesday, and announced the postponement of the Parliament March that was scheduled for 1 February. Further, on 30 January, Gandhiji's martyrdom day, they said that there would be a one day fast to lay emphasis on peace and non-violence.

The ‘Kisan Gantantra Parade’ in the national capital on Tuesday was supposed to be a peaceful show of strength by the farmers protesting against the Centre’s three farm laws on Republic Day. However, clashes broke out in several parts of the capital, including Red Fort and ITO.

The Delhi Police has detained 50 people in connection with the violence, and arrested 19 accused. Over 350 policemen were injured on Tuesday, the force said, adding that 25 FIRs have been filed so far. A protesting farmer also died near the ITO metro station after his tractor overturned.

(With inputs from ANI and NDTV)