New Delhi, Jan 26 (UNI) Terming the violence that erupted here in the wake of farmers protest as "extremely painful and deplorable", Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Tuesday said that the unfortunate act at historic Red Fort is an insult to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom and national integrity.

"The violence and disturbances unleashed in Delhi today, the sacred Republic Day, are extremely painful and deplorable. Especially the unfortunate act at historic Red Fort is an insult to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom and national integrity," RSS said.

It further appealed to all countrymen to rise above political and ideological differences and to strive for peace as a priority.

Republic Day celebration in the National Capital was marred by violence as thousands of farmers protesting against agriculture reforms breached the security cordon at the borders and clashed with police in an failed attempt to reach historic Rajpath for their tractor parade.

At least one person died while scores were injured.

However, hundreds of protestors managed to enter the Red Fort breaching police security and planted a religious and farm union flag on the pole where Tri-Colour is hoisted on Independence Day. The flag was later removed and the area cleared by the police.

The violence began at Singhu and Tikri border, when the protestors, who were massed in thousands, broke the police barricades before the scheduled time, to take out the tractor parade.

UNI JAL RHK2327