Shaheen Bagh protesters marching to Amit Shah's residence turn back

The anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters at Shaheen Bagh stopped their march towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence midway after Delhi Police assured them of a proper appointment with him. Reports suggest the protesters have turned back following the assurance.

The protesters, led by hundreds of women, had begun their march around 2 pm on Sunday (February 16), hoping for a dialogue with the home minister over the contentious new legislation. However, neither did they have an appointment for the meeting nor a permission for holding the march.

According to the police, the women returned back to their protest site after the police told them their application for a meeting has been seen to the home minister. Reports quoted the protesters as saying they would not give up their protest or allow it to turn violent or disorderly.

Related news: Police deny permission for Shaheen Bagh protesters to meet Amit Shah

The protesters had announced their march on Saturday after the home minister told a news channel he was ready to meet those who have doubts over the new citizenship law. “They should seek time from my office. I will meet them within three days and discuss the matter,” Shah had said.

However, the Delhi police had said it has denied permission for the march. “We have asked protesters who all are in the delegation which wants to meet the home minister so that we can plan a meeting. But they said they all want to go. We have denied that but we will see what we can do,” the Delhi Police said.

Meanwhile, a heavy police deployment was in place at Shaheen Bagh in view of the march. Barricades were raised to stop the protesters from marching ahead.

(With inputs from agencies)

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