20 killed as worst violence in decades rocks Northeast Delhi
The death toll in the communal violence in Northeast Delhi rose to 20 on Wednesday while hundreds of others remain injured. What started as Citizenship Amendment Act-related protests in the national capital aggravated into communal clashes over the past few days. The violence is said to be one of the worst in the national capital in at least three decades. Here are more details.
20 dead as violence ensued in Maujpur, Jaffrabad, Gokulpuri, etc.
Since Monday, at least 20 people, including a cop, have been killed in Northeast Delhi amid communal clashes. Over 250 people are said to be injured and are being treated at the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB), Al-Hind, LNJP, and RML hospitals. The regions hit by violence include Northeast Delhi's Maujpur, Jaffrabad, Yamuna Vihar, Gokulpuri, Chand Bagh, etc.
Clashes started on Sunday between pro and anti-CAA groups
The violence started on Sunday when pro and anti-CAA protesters clashed in Maujpur, pelting stones. Both sides blame each other for instigating the violence. The violence continued on Monday and Tuesday. Incidents of arson were witnessed—homes, shops, vehicles, a petrol pump, were set ablaze.
Witnesses allege police inaction; CRPF jawans attacked with acid
The violence took a turn for the worse on Tuesday as the rioters reportedly outnumbered the police. Many eyewitness accounts alleged police inaction, with an NDTV reporter, Arvind Gunasekar, claiming that the police assisted the rioters. Meanwhile, two CRPF jawans were attacked with acid near Karawal Nagar. The police issued "shoot at sight" orders on late Tuesday night.
Wednesday's CBSE Board examinations postponed
Due to the violence, the Central Board Of Secondary Education (CBSE) postponed Wednesday's examinations for Class X and XII in Delhi's Northeast region. Schools will also remain shut for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Board to inform the students about the exam schedule for the next 10-15 days, urging it to draft a long-term plan.
Ghaziabad borders lining Northeast Delhi closed
Separately, the district administration in Ghaziabad has closed three borders adjoining northeast Delhi and also shut bars and liquor shops. The borders that have been closed include Laal Bagh, DLF embankment road of Loni and Tulsi Niketan borders. Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had suggested sealing off the city's borders and making preventive arrests.
Delhi HC allows transfer of injured from violence-hit areas
Further, on Tuesday night, a special hearing at the residence of Justice S Muralidhar of the Delhi HC urged the safe passage for those injured at Al-Hind hospital to GTB Hospital. Members of Hindu and Muslim communities led "Ekta marches" while demonstrations were observed outside the India Gate and the CM's residence. Notably, protesters outside the CM's residence were dispersed with water canons.
NSA Ajit Doval visited violence-hit areas
Following Tuesday's violence, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited the affected regions and also met with police officers to take stock of the situation. He also held talks with members from different communities. The NSA will attend the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on Wednesday. He assured that violence will not be tolerated and adequate police and paramilitary forces have been deployed.
