Uneasy calm in riot-torn Delhi

Violence since Sunday has claimed 28 lives

GN Bureau | February 27, 2020


#Delhi   #violence   #communal riot   #Narendra Modi   #Ajit Doval   #Citizenship Amendment Act  
Delhi police officials have been holding meetings with Aman Committees in various localities (Photo courtesy: Delhi Police)
Delhi police officials have been holding meetings with Aman Committees in various localities (Photo courtesy: Delhi Police)

No untoward incidents have been reported from the parts of the capital that witnessed communal riots this week, but the peace Thursday morning was still tentative and a number of those hospitalized for injuries were battling for life.

Clashes began Sunday evening and engulfed parts of northeast Delhi, with mobs of Hindus and Muslims coming out on the streets; pelting stones, setting public and private property on fire and even resorting to the use of firearms. On Monday a Delhi police official was killed in the line of duty, while on Wednesday the body of an Intelligence Bureau officer was found from a drain. At least 26 more people were killed as rioters ravaged the localities of mixed population.

The US president, who arrived in the capital Monday night, was asked about the Delhi violence during his press meet Tuesday evening, though all he could comment was that he had about the incidents which were India’s internal matter.

The violence has pitted those in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Act against the minority community. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the police to consider filing FIRs against several BJP leaders for allegedly delivering hate speech and provoking violence.

On Wednesday, prime minister Narendra Modi held “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,” he tweeted. “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,” he added.

Also on Wednesday, the national security advisor, Ajit Doval visited many of the affected localities, spoke with people, and assured them that they were safe.

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