PM Modi speaks on R-Day violence: 'Nation shocked at insult to Tricolour'; seeks restraint

While addressing his Mann Ki Baat programme on January 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about violence that broke out on Republic Day in Delhi. Specifically speaking about siege of Red Fort by protesters taking part in tractor march and ir act of planting Nishan Sahib and Kisan Union flag in Red Fort, PM Modi said that it shocked nation. Prime Minister added that Indians have maintained peace and patience and have shown cour last year and urged that same must be done this year. 

PM Modi said in Hindi, "In midst of all this, in Delhi, on 26 January, country was very sad to see insult of Tricolour. We showed exceptional restraint and cour last year. This year too, we have to prove our resolve by working hard."

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PM Modi's olive branch to farmers

Addressing all-party meeting, PM Modi stressed that Union government's proposal of staying farm laws' implementation for 18 months was still valid. talks between Centre and farmers' unions had come to a standstill after 12th round of talks when latter rejected this offer. While farmers have insisted on continuing ir protests until repeal of agrarian laws, PM reiterated government's willingness for talks despite violence that took place during tractor rally on Republic Day. 

PM Modi remarked, "As for  farmers' issues which you have talked about, I want to reiterate what Narendra Singh Tomar said after January 22 meeting of Narendra Singh Tomar and committee with farmers. I want to convey same. Narendra Singh ji said in meeting that we have t been able to reach an agreement, we are giving you this proposal. You go back and think about it. I am just one phone call away. When you make up your mind, I will fix a meeting with you and meeting venue within a few hours' time. Indian government's proposal is still valid even today. Please convey this to protesters you kw."

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Farmers' tractor march and Delhi violence

Despite Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM)'s assurance and Delhi Police's conditions for Republic Day tractor march, violence broke out on January 26, as farmers entered Delhi - breaking barricades and cemented barriers, riding bikes, brandishing swords, sticks and vandalising a bus, drove tractors at full speed towards police - leading to clashes with Delhi police. Police said that over 300 personnel were injured and one protestor died after a tractor upturned. Delhi police have filed over 25 cases, several FIRs and arrested 19 people.

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most shocking acts included a group of farmers allegedly led by actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu breaching  Red Fort and hoisting  'Nishan Sahib' and Kisan Union flags atop Red Fort's dome and Khalsa flag on flag pole. Most parties have condemned violence but questioned Centre on failure of law and order in Delhi and went on to demand Home Minister's resignation despite supporting tractor march previously. Top SKM leaders like Yogendra Yadav, Darshan Pal and Rakesh Tikait - who have been named in police's FIRs- have taken 'moral responsibility' for violence but denied involvement in Red Fort plan and said that protests will continue at Delhi borders. Delhi Police has been praised for restraint it showed in t firing any bullets that may have triggered casualties at a large scale, though Opposition has gone all guns blazing, politicising police and slamming it over intelligence failure. police has said that reason for riot was farmer leaders going back on ir word and breaching terms of protest agreed upon during ir meetings with police.

READ | PM Modi Tells Farmers 'govt Just A Phone Call Away'; Urges Opposition To Talk To Unions