Death toll in Delhi over CAA violence rises to 7; RAF, cops on high alert

To avert a repetition of Monday’s violence over the Citizenship Amendment Act that left seven people dead including a policeman, Delhi police and Rapid Action Force on Tuesday (February 25) conducted flag marches in northeast Delhi, even as fresh incidents of stone pelting were reported from the localities of Maujpur and Brahmapuri.

Kejriwal, Shah take stock of matters

In view of the situation, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting of all MLAs of the violence-hit areas, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has convened another with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and representatives of different political parties, Home Ministry sources said.

Expressing his worry over the prevailing situation in the national capital in a tweet on Tuesday morning, the Delhi chief minister urged everyone to shun violence and work towards restoring people in the city.

“Am v worried abt prevailing situation in certain parts of Del. All of us together shud make all efforts to restore peace in our city. I again urge everyone to shun violence (sic),” he tweeted.

“Am meeting all MLAs (of all parties) of affected areas along wid senior officials in a while,” Kejriwal added.

Sources said the meeting will take place at the chief minister’s residence at 10.30 am.

Related news: RAF conducts flag march in Delhi following violent protests over CAA

Shah on Monday night had reviewed the law and order situation in the national capital.

Metro closes gates

Delhi metro authorities have decided to close its five stations on the Delhi Metros Pink Line for the second consecutive day on Tuesday in the wake of the violence.

“Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar remain closed. Trains are being terminated at the Welcome Metro Station,” the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted.

At least five people including a police constable lost their lives and 105 including protesters, police and paramilitary personnel were injured when CAA protesters resorted to stone pelting and arson on Monday.

Three firemen were also injured as the Delhi Fire Service attended to 45 calls from violence-hit northeast Delhi, said a senior fire department officer on Tuesday. On Monday, the department received 45 calls and in attending to those, a fire tender was pelted with stones while another was torched by protesters. Three firemen sustained injuries, he added.

Related news: Stone-pelting near CAA protest site in Jaffrabad, police fire tear gas 

This comes in the backdrop of the maiden visit of US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka on a two-day India tour.

(With inputs from agencies)