Anti-CAA protests: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi stopped from entering UP's Meerut
Currently, tensions are high across India due to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. But it seems, BJP doesn't want any opposition party, especially Congress, to milk the opportunity. This is exactly why Uttar Pradesh Police stopped Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from entering Meerut today. They were on their way to meet families of those who lost their lives in violent protests.
Anti-CAA protests got violent in UP, many people died
Now, protests against CAA were held across India but in UP, the situation was really grim. While protesters burnt vehicles and vandalized property, cops took to firing, and as a result, 18 people lost their lives. According to reports, 269 policemen were also injured. After the ruckus, cops launched a massive crackdown. They took 5,400 people in custody and sent 705 to jail.
In Meerut, six people lost their lives
The town of Meerut wasn't immune to violence and six people lost their lives. This morning, Priyanka and Rahul left from Delhi to meet the kin of the deceased but were denied permission. The personnel who stopped the Congress leaders told them that prohibitory orders were in place and they should postpone their visit. Cops also refused to show relevant papers to Rahul.
They told us to go back: Rahul
Few days ago, Priyanka traveled easily, wasn't stopped
Interestingly, just a couple of days ago, Priyanka made an unscheduled visit to Bijnor and met the families of two men who died in the violent protests. As per UP Congress President Ajay Kumar Lallu, she also met other locals to understand how the violence affected them. While Priyanka's earlier visit was seamless, this time cops in Yogi Adityanath-governed state stopped her.
Yesterday, Congress leaders staged demonstration against CAA
Rahul and Priyanka's attempt to meet kin of deceased comes a day after Congress staged a demonstration at Raj Ghat. Heavyweights of the grand old party sat at the Satyagraha for Unity event to express solidarity towards students and slam police excesses. Among those who attended the event were Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, and stalwart Ghulam Nabi Azad.
