A Delhi Police head constable was killed when protests against the controversial Citizenship Act turned violent in Jaffrabad on Monday. Ratan Lal was attached to the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gokulpuri, an official told PTI.
Several police personnel including Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shahdara, Amit Sharma were injured during clashes. According to the official, Sharma suffered injuries to his head and hand. Section 144 has been imposed in the area.
Several vehicles, shops and houses were torched on Monday, a day after clashes broke out between those against and for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Violence between groups supporting and opposing the CAA was also reported in the Chandbagh and Bhajanpura areas.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday 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 Hon'ble 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.
Protestors hurl brick-bats during clashes between a group of anti-CAA protestors and supporters of the new citizenship act. PTI
Meanwhile, the LG has instructed the police commissioner to maintain law and order in the national capital ahead of US President Donald Trump's arrival in the city. "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.
Protestors vandalize a car during a clash between a group of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protestors and supporters of the new citizenship act, at Maujpur crossing. PTI
Police fired tear gas shells and also resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the protesters. A few policemen also attempted to pacify the groups. The Delhi Metro also closed entry and exit at Jaffrabad and Maujpur-Babarpur stations as an uneasy calm prevailed in the area. "Entry & exit of Jaffrbad and Maujpur-Babarpur are closed. Trains will not be halting at these stations," DMRC tweeted.
"Some incidents of violence and arson have been reported in 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 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," the police said.
rotestors during clashes between a group of anti-CAA protestors and supporters of the new citizenship act, at Jafrabad. PTI
Five metro stations on Pink Line closed
The Delhi Metro shut down five stations on its Pink Line in wake of the violence that erupted during clashes. "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. The DMRC had earlier shut down Jaffrabad and Maujpur-Babarpur metro due to the ongoing protests against the amended law.
The entry and exit of Jaffrabad metro station were closed for over 24 hours.
Situation in Delhi under fully control: Home Secy Ajay Bhalla
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Monday said the situation in the national capital was fully under control and sufficient forces were deployed on the ground.
The home secretary's comments came after violent clashes claimed the life of a policeman in North East Delhi. "The situation in Delhi is fully under control. Senior police officials are on the ground and sufficient forces are also deployed at the spot," Bhalla told reporters
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi condemning the violence said, "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."