India farmer leaders condemn violence but won’t call off protests

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Farmer leaders in India have condemned deadly violence in the capital Delhi during a massive protest against agricultural reforms on Tuesday.

Blaming the chaos on rogue elements among an otherwise peaceful march, they added that they would not call off their protests.

Thousands of farmers clashed with police as protesters on the outskirts of the city forced their way in.

One protester died and more than 80 police officers were injured.

The government deployed paramilitary reinforcements after the protests, which also saw some farmers storming the city’s historic Red Fort and occupying the ramparts until police drove them out.

The violence marred Republic Day celebrations – a national holiday that marks the anniversary of India officially adopting its constitution on 26 January 1950.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella group of protesting farmers, said in a statement that they “condemn and regret the undesirable and unacceptable events and dissociate ourselves from those indulging in such acts”.