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Indian Farmer Protesters Breach Historic Red Fort

Anjana Pasricha

   NEW DELHI - A two-month long protest by Indian farmers erupted into
   chaos as thousands of demonstrators breached the iconic Red Fort
   complex after breaking police barricades and swarming into the heart of
   the Indian capital on a convoy of tractors.

   Police fired tear gas shells, water cannons and used batons to disperse
   groups of protesters who diverted from the routes along which they had
   been allowed to hold a unique rally, riding on thousands of tractors to
   mark their opposition to three contentious farm laws.

   One group of farmers clambered onto the ramparts of the Red Fort from
   where the prime minister traditionally delivers his annual Independence
   Day address. They waved flags of farm unions and religious flags, even
   hoisting a farm union flag alongside the national flag on one the
   historic buildings.

   Others marched into central New Delhi where many government buildings
   are housed, tearing through police barricades, waving sticks and
   shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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