Violence broke out for a second time in less than 24 hours in northeast Delhi, protesters for and against the controversial citizenship law threw stones, set vehicles and shops ablaze and transformed parts of the national capital into a war zone, forcing the deployment of paramilitary forces and the banning of large gatherings in the area
Among the areas where protests took place were Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Khajuri Khas, Chandbagh and Bhajanpura area. A protestor, brandishing a pistol, was also seen moving towards a Delhi Police personnel. He fired eight aerial rounds in front of the cops in Maujpur while the police tried to control him. The man fired eight rounds before the police overpowered him. Police fired tear gas shells and also resorted lathicharge to disperse the violent crowd of protesters. The police also imposed section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits assembly of four or more people, in areas affected by violence in northeast Delhi.
There was heavy stone pelting in Maujpur, while police baton-charged to disperse protesters in Jaffrabad. Shops and houses were vandalised and set on fire in Maujpur and Bhajanpura. This is the second day of clashes in the city where US President Donald Trump will arrive on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, on Monday evening, the heavy force including para-military were put into action at Maujpur, Jafrabad, Gokulpuri, Gautam puri, Karawal Nagar, Bhajanpura and Chandbagh to maintain law and order situation.
The Delhi Metro closed entry and exit and an uneasy calm prevailed in the Northeast areas. “Entry & exit gates of Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar are closed. Trains will terminate at Welcome metro station,” the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted.
Following the clashes, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to restore law and order in the wake of violence in parts of northeast Delhi during protests for and against the new citizenship law.
“Very distressing news regarding disturbance of peace and harmony in parts of Delhi coming in. I sincerely urge Honble LG n Hon’ble Union Home Minister to restore law and order n ensure that peace and harmony is maintained. Nobody should be allowed to orchestrate flagrations (sic),” he tweeted.
“Ratan Lal, Head Constable was attached to the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gokulpuri and he was killed in the clashes today. Several police personnel have been injured in the clashes. The DCP, Shahdara, suffered injuries to his head and hand. He was hospitalised and is doing fine,” said the senior police official.
Delhi Police on Monday also appealed to the people to maintain peace and not to believe in rumours in the wake of violence in parts of northeast Delhi during protests for and against the new citizenship law.
Prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC, which bans the assembly of four or more people, have been imposed in those areas of northeast Delhi that witnessed violence.
“Some incidents of violence and arson have been reported in areas of North East District, particularly in the areas of Maujpur, Kardampuri, Chandbagh and Dayalpur. It is appealed to the people of Delhi and particularly to the North East District to maintain peace and harmony and not to believe in any rumours. It is also appealed to the media not to circulate any disturbing pictures which may further aggravate the situation,” said a senior police official adding that Delhi Police is making every effort to restore normalcy.
“Section 144 has been imposed in the affected areas of North East district and strict action will be taken against miscreants and anti social elements,” the senior police official added.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Monday instructed the police commissioner to maintain law and order in the national capital in the wake of violence during clashes in northeast Delhi.
“Instructed @DelhiPolice and @CPDelhi to ensure that law and order is maintained in North East Delhi. The situation is being closely monitored. I urge everyone to exercise restraint for maintenance of peace and harmony,” Baijal tweeted
Delhi minister and Babarpur MLA Gopal Rai also urged the people in the area to maintain peace in the wake of the clashes over the citizenship law, saying some people were purposely trying to disturb the atmosphere.
On Saturday night, a group of women blocked a carriageway outside the Jaffrabad Metro station against the CAA. Clashes broke out on Sunday evening between pro and anti-CAA groups near Jaffrabad over blocking of the road, while similar sit-ins were launched in several other parts of the national capital including Hauz Rani.
The situation escalated after BJP leader Kapil Mishra called a gathering on Sunday. Mishra demanded that police remove the anti-CAA protestors within three days. Since then northeast Delhi has been on the boil. It has also been witnessing spurts of violence.
