Delhi unrest: Intelligence failure likely behind tractor parade chaos

Some opposition leaders and people are pointing towards massive intelligence failure and government's strategy to prevent the protesters from entering Delhi ahead of the Republic day parade and prior to the timings proposed by Delhi police.

Farmers-Protest Delhi Red-Fort

Farmer's agitating at borders of Delhi against contentious farm laws passed by the union government entered Red Fort and hoisted two flags: one linked to farmers' union and the another one 'Nishan Sahib' a religious symbol for Sikhs.

Some opposition leaders and people are pointing towards massive intelligence failure and government's strategy to prevent the protesters from entering Delhi ahead of the Republic day parade and prior to the timings proposed by Delhi police.

Farmers deviated from the designated route and entered Delhi's heartland while police fired tear gas canisters and baton charged those who were allegedly trying to create chaos in Delhi.

Read More: Tractor parade mayhem, 18 injured police admitted to LNJP hospital in Delhi, 1 critical

Police were outnumbered by the farmers at many places because they came from various states to mark protest against the contentious farm laws. Some of the police personnel were sitting on the chairs as per video accessed by media houses. There was confusion all around because the police did not get clear instructions from Home Ministry.

Delhi Police directly comes under Union Home Minister Amit Shah but the government was quiet util the farmers entered Red fort . It raises certain questions: on the Republic day when security arrangements are made to stall any untoward incident, how can farmers entered Red fort.

The home ministry also controls intelligence agencies. The meeting to review the security was held in the evening that was headed by Amit Shah. Although, it was touted as too late. Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Delhi Police Commissioner, SN Srivastava were also present in the meeting.

Read More: Amit shah directs to deploy 15 paramilitary companies in Delhi

After an hour long meeting, Shah advised the officials to take stringent actions against the wild protesters and more companies of paramilitary forces were deployed in Delhi. Although, details are still awaited if there is any damage to the historical and iconic Red Fort building.

A former Delhi Police Commissioner was quoted by The Telegraph in which he said it was an intelligence failure. “What were intelligence agencies doing over the past few days? It also puts a big question mark on the political leadership,” he told The Telegraph.

While farmers marched ahead, breaking the barricades and entered Red Fort. As per several farmers who came to the Red Fort yesterday, they said, they had come here to deliver a message to the government. Although, it is yet to see how the government takes such a message delivery.

Read More: A Timeline: How Tractor parade on Republic day turned amok?

 


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