Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) continue across the Indian capital, with the death toll increasing as demonstrators turn to violence, setting public property ablaze and clashing with those who support the recently-enacted law.
On Tuesday, authorities imposed a curfew in several areas of New Delhi in order to curb the violence that has somewhat overshadowed US President Donald Trump's first official visit to the country.
"My message is that everyone who loves their country - also loves their society, their neighbours. Everyone should live with love and harmony with others. People should try to resolve each other's problems and not increase them," National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reached zonal office of northeast Delhi for the second time in 24 hours. #DelhiViolene pic.twitter.com/NrkHOTBKji
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) February 26, 2020
"We all Hindu Muslims are one here. There has never been any problem. The ones who attacked – both Hindu and Muslims – were not from the area, they were outsiders. We were all inside our houses. We could hear stones being pelted, glasses being broken and it was outside everyone's house – both Hindu and Muslims. Police did not control anything. There was firing as well," Rajni, a resident of Yamuna Vihar district of New Delhi says.
Rajni, resident of Yamuna Vihar: Hindu and Muslims live in the area peacefully. The rioters were not from this area. They were outsiders. Police did nothing to control situation. #DelhiViolence #DelhiFightHate pic.twitter.com/lcyDjbmDGh
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) February 26, 2020
Shahnawaaz, a resident in Vijay Park area of northeast #Delhi. He says we have blocked our streets. We are living with the Hindu brothers living in the area and even helping them with supplies. Miscreants entered our area. #DelhiViolence @advityabahl @SputnikInt pic.twitter.com/48hDWC69We
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) February 26, 2020
Local in Jaffarabad says his family is stuck near Madina Masjid in Shiv Vihar. Asks for their safety. #DelhiViolence #DelhiBurning @advityabahl @SputnikInt pic.twitter.com/9LjcOul6Uc
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) February 26, 2020
Shops in the Jaffarabad area are shut, hence people are facing problem in getting basic amenities. They are saying that even vegetables are costing them more than usual due to supply issues. pic.twitter.com/LA868lY8TN
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) February 26, 2020
Today in India we are seeing the Nazi-inspired RSS ideology take over a nuclear-armed state of over a billion people. Whenever a racist ideology based on hatred takes over, it leads to bloodshed.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 26, 2020
As I had predicted in my address to UN GA last yr, once the genie is out of the bottle the bloodshed will get worse. IOJK was the beginning. Now 200 million Muslims in India are being targeted. The world community must act now.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 26, 2020
I want to warn our people that anyone in Pakistan targeting our non-Muslim citizens or their places of worship will be dealt with strictly. Our minorities are equal citizens of this country.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 26, 2020
Peace and harmony are central to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Delhi to maintain peace and brotherhood at all times. It is important that there is calm and normalcy is restored at the earliest.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2020
Had an extensive review on the situation prevailing in various parts of Delhi. Police and other agencies are working on the ground to ensure peace and normalcy.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2020
Delhi: Body of Intelligence Bureau Officer Ankit Sharma found in North East district's Chand Bagh area today. pic.twitter.com/WLDG0odk6P
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020
"There is a conspiracy behind the violence, country also saw this during Delhi elections. Many BJP leaders made inciting comments creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred", Gandhi told a media briefing.
In a series of tweets, India's former Minister of State for Internal Security P. Chidambaram has slammed the Delhi police for incidents of violence:
"Whether the violence in East Delhi was instigated (MOS-Home) or spontaneous (MHA), the government has a duty to end the violence.The violence has continued since Monday and even now there are incidents of violence. It shows the colossal failure of the Delhi Police. Two High Court judges had to hold a midnight hearing last night to ensure the safe evacuation of injured persons to a proper hospital. What does it say about the performance of Delhi Police?"
Two High Court judges had to hold a midnight hearing last night to ensure the safe evacuation of injured persons to a proper hospital. What does it say about the performance of Delhi Police?
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) February 26, 2020
The plea seeks an independent judicial inquiry into the violence in Maujpur, Jaffrabad and adjoining areas in North East Delhi.
Delhi police have announced that prohibitory orders under Section 144 od the Code of Criminal Procedure have been imposed in North East Delhi for one month.
"Nobody should be seen here. Close your shops", they said.
#WATCH Delhi Police makes an announcement in Seelampur area, "Ek mahine ke liye Section 144 laga di gai hai, yahan koi bhi vyakti nazar na aaye. Abhi tumhe pyar se bataya jaa raha hai, phir sakhti se bataya jayega. Dukane bandh kardo yahan" #DelhiViolence pic.twitter.com/BwYvFLXzM9
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020
Drone monitoring begins in violence-hit areas of Delhi. #DelhiViolence #Delhi pic.twitter.com/eNCYyuJ5gz
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) February 26, 2020
Delhi: Security personnel hold flag-march in Johripur area. #DelhiViolence pic.twitter.com/X8Db6Rt1D3
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020
Delhi CM: Situation is alarming. Police, despite all its efforts, is unable to control the situation & instill confidence. Army should be called in & curfew should be imposed in rest of affected areas immediately. I am writing to the Home Minister to this effect. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/x9eifxSX3T
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020
Medical Superintendent at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital has said that out of all the people that were brought to the hospital 189 are injured and 20 are dead.
Delhi: Security personnel conducting flag-march in Maujpur area. #DelhiViolence pic.twitter.com/FBPpeVegm0
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020
Security Personnel in Chandbagh #DelhiRiots #DelhiViolence pic.twitter.com/Rps34UK2W6
— Aakriti Sharma (@_aakritisharma) February 26, 2020
