Republic Day

Addressing the country through his first 'Mann Ki Baat' monthly radio programme this year, the Prime Minister said the incident occurred days after when the country celebrated Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bihu festivals as well as the Indian cricket team's victory on Australia and the celebration of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's 125th birth anniversary as 'Parakram Divas'.

The tableau which won the first prize in the Republic Day parade, will be taken across the state to enable people to have a closer look at it, amidst chanting of 'Jai Shri Ram' and showering of flower petals. The Ayodhya tableau included snapshots of 'Deepotsav' depicted through earthen lamps and various stories from the Ramayana along with a giant statue of sage Valmiki.

They have been summoned to join the investigation and record their version before the Crime Branch. Of the 33 FIRs registered in connection with the January 26 violence, nine will be investigated by the Crime Branch. Lookout circulars have already been issued against 44 protesters and farmer leaders.

A total of 37 farmer leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, Darshan Pal, Gurnam Singh Chanduni, Rajinder Singh, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Boota Singh Burj Gil, Yogendra Yadav, Medha Patkar, Avik Saha and Joginder Singh Ugraha have been named in the FIRs for breach of NOC (no objection certificate) issued regarding the farmers' tractor rally by the police.

In a press conference on Wednesday, AAP leader and party's Punjab in-charge, Raghav Chadha said, "Yesterday, we all witnessed what happened in Delhi and most importantly at the Red Fort. We have condemned the violence and believe that such a thing should not have happened."

He said that the police has collected video evidence including CCTV footage and other camera and mobile recordings and the process of identification of those indulging in violence has started. More than 25 criminal cases have been registered, 19 people arrested and as many as 50 protesters detained.

Punjab Congress MP Jasbir Singh Gill Dimpa, who is protesting against the farm laws said, "Has anybody noticed any case being registered against Deep Sidhu or Lakha Sidhana." It is alleged that Deep Sidhu was among the group of farmers who entered the Red Fort in New Delhi and unfurled the pennant there, while violent clashes erupted in several areas of the national capital.

Making the announcement after an emergency meeting at the Singhu border here -- the centre of the farmers' protest -- the SKM or 'Joint Farmers Front', including 32 organisations, said, "It was a deep rooted conspiracy to damage the peaceful and strong farmers' struggle."

The FIRs were registered under Sections dealing with riots, damage to public property and assault on public servants with deadly weapons. The police have begun analysing video footage available to identify the violent protesters, who damaged public property and attacked Delhi Police personnel.

"Karnataka's tableau was a star attraction at the R-Day parade in Delhi, as it highlighted the glory of the Vijayanagara Empire that flourished in the state's northern region for over 300 years from 14th century to 17th century," state information joint director D.P. Muralidhar told IANS here.