The Hindu Sena, which had earlier issued a press release stating that it would get rid of ‘jihadis’ blocking the road at Shaheen Bagh, has now decided not to attack protesters at the venue. However, based on videos of the area, it appears that several people have landed up in the neighbourhood demanding that the protesters vacate the area.
Shaheen Bagh is the location of one of the largest sit-in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in New Delhi. The protest here is led largely by women, many of whom can be seen with babies and young children. These protesters have remained steadfastly committed to the idea of non-violence as they protest peacefully against the unconstitutional law.
After giving what many people saw as a clarion call to violence against these peaceful protesters, the Hindu Sena decided to call off the ‘protest site clearance event’ after “meeting and discussions on law and order situation with South-East DCP Chinmoy Biswal and other Senior Officers of Delhi Police to maintain peace in the area.”
In a statement the Hindu Sena national president Vishnu Gupta said, “The purpose of this event was to help clear off the roads connecting Delhi to Uttar Pradesh illegally blocked by miscreants since 50 days causing tremendous hardship to lakhs of common citizens. The event has been Called-off after it was brought to our notice that our 29/01/2020 Press release and video were circulated for the purpose of fear-mongering and to fuel riot-like situation by the anti-India elements organizing and supporting the unconstitutional and illegal Shaheen Bagh protest. Hindu Sena National President Vishnu Gupta requests all Hindu Sena volunteers to avoid gathering at Shaheen Bagh protest site, as the Delhi Police has assured us that they will be clearing the blocked roads as soon as possible.
Delhi Elections are around the corner so Hindu Sena has decided to call-off the event for some time in National Interest. Thanks to everyone who has supported our cause.”
But clearly this has failed to prove to be a deterrent and now there is a clear and present threat to the lives of innocent women and children protesting peacefully against an unconstitutional law.