Delhi CAA Violence: Constable killed in clashes between anti-CAA and pro-CAA mobs

For the past two days, the national media has kept itself focused on Gujarat and the United States President Donald Trump’s visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the top brass of the Central government have also been busy attending to the state guests in Ahmedabad. But while everyone focused on Gujarat and Trump’s visit, localities in Delhi’s Maujpur, Jaffrabad, Bhajanpura and Babaurpur witnessed violence and arson.

Delhi Police said, “Incidents of violence and arson have been reported in the areas of North East District, particularly in the areas of Maujpur, Kardampuri, Chand Bagh and Dayalpur. We appeal to the people of Delhi and particularly to the North East District to maintain peace and harmony and not to believe in any false rumors”.

Section 144 has been imposed in the affected areas of the North East district.

On Sunday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kapil Mishra had led a mob in the Maujpur locality. Mishra had then proceeded to threaten the Delhi Police to get the road near Jaffrabad metro cleared, which had been occupied by anti-CAA women protesters. He had given “three-day ultimatum” to Delhi Police after which he said would not listen to the administration. Incidents of stone-pelting from both sides were reported from the area after the Mishra's visit.

According to reports, a Delhi police constable was killed in the violence between the anti-CAA and pro-CAA supporters on Monday. Several others, including a deputy police commissioner, have been injured in these clashes. The video surfacing on social media and being shared by the journalists show the mob indulging in stone-pelting and arson.

In a video, posted by a TV journalist, a protester can be seen first waving a gun in the air, and blatantly pointing it towards a Delhi Police official who seems to be asking him to stop.  

The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) has stopped the operations at Jaffrabad and Maujpur-Babarpur metro stations.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has raised concerns over the violence which seems to be snowballing out of control. “Very distressing news regarding disturbance of peace and harmony in parts of Delhi coming in,” Kejriwal tweeted. He has urged Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to “restore law and order and ensure that peace and harmony is maintained. Nobody should be allowed to orchestrate conflagration.”

The administration of law and order in Delhi comes under the Union Home Ministry. Due to Trump’s visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in Ahmedabad.

Local MLA and Delhi minister, Gopal Rai too has urged people to maintain peace.

LG Anil Baijal has asked Delhi Police Commissioner to ensure law and order is maintained in North East Delhi. He said that the “situation is being closely monitored”.

Notably, Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari has appealed people to maintain peace and not fall for rumours. But his own party leader Kapil Mishra can be seen constantly tweeting and accusing the anti-CAA protesters for the violence. Meanwhile, no action has been taken against Mishra for passing threats to Delhi Police and issuing an ultimatum in front of a mob.