Centre's insensitive attitude towards farmers caused violence in Delhi: Mamata Banerjee

A peasant died and at least a policeman was injured as the tractor rally carried out by farmers in protest against the Centre's farm laws turned violent in the national capital earlier in the day.

In a tweet, Banerjee said: "Deeply disturbed by worrying & painful developments that have unfolded on the streets of Delhi. Centre's insensitive attitude and indifference towards our farmer brothers & sisters has to be blamed for this situation."

Banerjee said the casual attitude of the Centre towards the cause of the protesting farmers is responsible for the violence that erupted in the tractor rally.

"First, these laws were passed without taking farmers in confidence. And then despite protests across India & farmers camping near Delhi for last 2 months, they've been extremely casual in dealing with them. Centre should engage with the farmers & repeal the draconian laws," said the Bengal CM.

Violent clashes erupted earlier in the day when a section of farmers decided to enter Delhi to register their protest against the three contentious farm laws, much ahead of the time they were granted permission by the Delhi police.

Dramatic scenes of violent clashes were witnessed when the farmers reached the ITO area of Central Delhi.

Braving the tear gas, lathicharge by police and breaking barricades, the protesters stormed into the heart of the national capital Delhi and captured the Red Fort as police seemed going outnumbered. 

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While the farmers claimed the deceased was hit by a bullet, police said he had died after his tractor overturned. 

In some visuals, the dividers on the streets of Delhi were seen vandalised, allegedly by the farmers.

The farmers reportedly entered into Delhi through the routes which have not been allotted for the protesters.

Since Nov 26, 2020, thousands of farmers have gathered at the border of Delhi, which houses the Prime Minister's residence, protesting against the three new farm laws which was enacted by the Centre through an Ordinance and later controversially passed by Parliament.