Image: Reuters
North East Delhi turned into a virtual battle ground with violence between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) groups intensifying. Affected areas include Chandbagh, Kardampuri, Bhajanpura, Gokulpuri, Noor-e-illahi, Maujpur and Jafarabad, all located in the North East Delhi district.
The Delhi police said, “Some incidents of violence and arson have been reported in the areas of North East District, particularly in the areas of Maujpur, Kardampuri, Chand Bagh and Dayalpur. It is appealed to the people of Delhi and particularly to the North East District to maintain peace and harmony.” Police imposed prohibitory orders under section 144, and even cautioned people against spreading rumours or inflammatory images. They said, “People should not believe in false rumours. It is also appealed to the media not to circulate any disturbing pictures which may further aggravate the situation.”
One head constable Rattan Lal was killed in the clashes between rival mobs allegedly armed with rods, sticks, stones and even petrol bombs. Another DCP was reportedly injured and a young man brandishing a gun was overpowered and taken into custody. Meanwhile, a petrol pump and two school buses were allegedly set one fire at Bhajanpura-Yamuna Vihar area. Incidents of stone pelting, burning of houses and vehicles allegedly belonging to minority community families were also reported leading some to fear that this might be a pogrom.
Sources told SabrangIndia, “Violence began in Chandbagh around 1pm after the police resorted to lathi charge the female protesters after they intervened in police action against the men at the protest. At 4:30pm- People from various sites across these affected areas started joining the protest under the Jafarabad metro station.”
5 dead, including a police head constable, and 52 injured.
Trump is an important guest, but PM and Home Minister must address the violence in Delhi as a priority. https://t.co/bDbWvbotQE
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) February 24, 2020
Things are extremely tense in Maujpur-Jaffrabad.
Here is a video I clicked at 3.14 pm at Maujpur Chowk where I saw pro CAA protestors set a shop on fire. pic.twitter.com/fXbcrTkcwO
— Vijayta Lalwani (@VijaytaL) February 24, 2020
This is Khajuri Khas, Wazirabad main road. A shop is burning. Heavy stone pelting. Notice what the cops are doing though? @TOIDelhi pic.twitter.com/NNy4m2oUgs
— Jasjeev Gandhiok (@JasjeevSinghTOI) February 24, 2020
There were also allegations of members of right-wing groups entering minority neighbourhoods with alleged support from the police, though others say that the police were unable to take action as they were outnumbered. However, there were also counter claims that minority dominated mobs targeted majority neighbourhoods and destroyed property.
Rahul Gandhi condemned the violence saying, “The violence today in Delhi is disturbing & must be unequivocally condemned. Peaceful protests are a sign of a healthy democracy, but violence can never be justified. I urge the citizens of Delhi to show restraint, compassion & understanding no matter what the provocation.”
Meanwhile, a delegation comprising of JCC, JNUSU, Pinjra Tod, Saba Dewan, Rahul Roy, Khalid Saifi, Nadeem Khan and some others met with the Joint CP and then Manish Sisodia.
It may be recalled that NE Delhi had transformed into a virtual tinderbox over the weekend when protesters decided to stage a sit-in near the Jafrabad metro station. But things got violent after controversial BJP leader Kapil Mishra reached the spot and allegedly instigated pro-CAA groups to forcibly remove anti-CAA protesters from the spot. Mishra also led a pro-CAA rally in the vicinity and this may have instigated violent clashes between the rival groups.