FARMERS -INDIA'S- FRAMES : PROTESTS

Chaos in Delhi as Farmers 'take over' Red Fort. Sikh flag hoisted atop a historic monument ; one dead, dozens injured as protesters battle police on India's Republic Day.

NEW DELHI : Tens of thousands of farmers overwhelmed police and stormed into the historic Red Fort complex in New Delhi as the nation celebrated Republic Day on Tuesday.

The farmers have been protesting against agricultural reforms that have grown into a rebellion and rattled the BJP government.

The capital's roads were swarmed by rows of tractors bearing flags of India and farm unions. Farmers wearing distinctive colourful turbans, shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and what they call his ''black laws''.

Thousands more marched on foot dancing and singing, and at one place they were showered with flower petals by residents., some of whom recorded the unprecedented rally on their phones.

The national holiday marks the first time India's constitution went into effect in 1950 following independence from British colonial rule., and the day is annually celebrated with a huge military parade through the capital.

Police fired tear gas in an unsuccessful bid to force the protesters back. One protester was killed , a witness said, and Delhi police said  86 officers had been injured across the city.

Some of those who scaled the walls of Red Fort carried ceremonial swords, scattering police who tried to prevent them from entering. Footage from Reuters partner ANI showed police jumping from the ramparts to escape. Once inside, the protesters hoisted flags.

Angered by laws they say help large, private buyers at the expense of producers, farmers have camped outside the capital for almost two months, posing one of the biggest challenges to Prime Minister Modi.

The World Students Society thanks author, The Express Tribune.