The national capital's borders are heaving with resistance. It is an agitation unlike any other, as protesting farmers dig their heels to rally for over 200 million rural households who will be impacted by the new farm laws.
The Republic Day parade was a decisive moment for the farmers' unrest. A sea of protesting farmers made their way to Delhi to take part in the Kisan Parade -- a tractor rally to register their opposition to the new farm laws. "We have chosen January 26 as the Republic Day represents the supremacy of the people," union leaders said earlier this month.
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The tractor rally slipped away from the targeted agenda. Some sections of farmers from Singhu and Tikri borders forced their way towards the heart of the national capital, breaking barricades and triggering police response. The police used force, baton charge, and tear gas shells in a heated clash with protesters across several parts of Delhi -- including ITO, Kashmiri Gate, and Red Fort. Lutyen's Delhi sparked with chaos and clashes. One farmer died after his tractor overturned near ITO yesterday, and around 300 police officials were injured, officials said.
With their agitation inching towards almost 60 days, here is a glimpse of how their resistance and resilience have played out.
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PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan
Farmers shower flower petals on fellow farmers riding on their tractors after breaking the police barricades at Singhu border during the 'Kisan Gantantra Parade' on Republic Day, in New Delhi.
Suresh K Pandey
Farmers on their Tractors during the Tractor rally on Republic Day, in New Delhi.
Suresh K Pandey
Farmers on their tractors move towards Delhi during their rally on Republic Day, at Singhu border in New Delhi.
Suresh K Pandey
Farmers participate in the Kisan Gantantra Parade as part of their protest against Centres farm reform laws, on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day, near Akshardham in New Delhi.
Suresh K Pandey
Farmers on their tractors during the ongoing protest against the new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi.
Suresh K Pandey
Farmers gather to attend the National Flag hoisting at Ghazipur border during the Republic Day celebration, ahead of their tractor rally, in New Delhi.
Suresh K Pandey
The site of farmers ongoing agitation over the new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi.
PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary
A farmer holds the Tricolor during their ongoing protest against the new farm laws, at Ghazipur border in New Delhi.
Suresh K Pandey
The hands that drive tractors on the field and produce food for a whole nation are valiantly raised in resistance today.
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PTI
Thousands of farmers have come from various states of India and set camp at Delhi borders to protest against the implementation of three new agriculture laws, which they fear will do more harm than good.
Tribhuvan Tiwari
After 70 days of their sit-in demonstration and post 11 rounds of ‘failed talks’ between farmers and the government, unions now plan to step up their protests. Their prime demand? “Repeal the laws!”
Tribhuvan Tiwari
Suresh K Pandey
Meanwhile… life goes on in the bitter cold, in intermittent rains, in uncertainty… among the tractors. Even a moment of solitude, or of rest, or for reflecting on thoughts… The tractors remain mute spectators…
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Suresh K Pandey
The tractors are their support, their mainstay, even in protest.
Suresh K Pandey
They have driven these tractors together on Delhi’s outskirts earlier, in a show of strength and solidarity. Their colleagues are also planning similar protests across state capitals to bolster the resistance...
Suresh K Pandey
PTI
Now the tractors, the carriage and the trolleys are their abode. Most of them sleep either on the cart, or in its shade…
Suresh K Pandey
Sometimes, it serves them as a common area to share time together, to confer, to spend time in recreation… a game of cards perhaps…
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Suresh K Pandey
Tribhuvan Tiwari
Sometimes just to be alone… to be lost in thoughts… thinking of home, of family… sometimes drifting off to sleep… to rejuvenate…
Tribhuvan Tiwari
Sometimes, they want to peep into the future… Maybe to find out what the road ahead holds for them… What will they be able to take back to their families and to their farms…
