The protesters threw bricks at the policemen; they were lathi-charged and tear gassed.
Highlights
- Clashes erupted at Seelampur in Delhi during a protest
- In visuals, armed policemen in riot gear were seen facing a large crowd
- A drone was spotted in the chaos, hovering over the trouble spots
A school bus was damaged and a police booth was set on fire as clashes erupted at Seelampur in Delhi during a protest against the Citizenship Act on Tuesday afternoon. The police used batons and fired tear gas shells as some 2,000 protesters threw stones and set fire to vehicles. At least two policemen were injured, according to news agency Reuters. A witness was quoted as saying that a "peaceful protest against the Citizenship law got out of hand." Others claimed outsiders armed with bottles and bricks got in and sparked the clashes. Late on Tuesday evening, there were protests again in Seelampur, but were quickly brought under control by the police.
Here are the top 10 developments in this big story:
In visuals, armed policemen in riot gear were seen facing a large crowd in Seelampur, a thickly-populated neighbourhood in northeast Delhi prone to flare-ups. Protesters were seen throwing bricks at the police.
Buses and cars were left damaged and roads strewn with rocks, debris and paper after the clashes. Small fires on the road sent smoke into the air, along with the tear gas. The police said two bikes of traffic cops were burnt.
According to a senior police officer, the protest began around 1 pm, when school buses were on the roads taking children home. People from the area gathered at a prominent crossing for a protest march from Seelampur towards Jafrabad. Sources say trouble broke out when the crowd showed up a little early and was asked to disperse.
The protesters allegedly targeted buses, including school buses. The police moved in to check the violence but were outnumbered as protesters started throwing stones at them.
"Policemen have been injured. Forces are here. Cars have been damaged. We have mobile footage, which will be examined," said senior police officer Alok Kumar.
A drone was spotted in the chaos, hovering over the trouble spots. The Delhi Police reportedly used the drone to keep an eye on the ground situation.
Seelampur remained tense hours after the violence, with local elders appealing for peace. The entry and exit gates at six metro stations were shut for a few hours and traffic was restricted.
This is the second incident of violence after a protest march by students of the Jamia Millia University on Sunday turned violent. The police barged into the university campus and allegedly targeted students. 100 students were arrested and let off after midnight.
On Monday, many colleges across the country protested in solidarity with Jamia University.
The citizenship law facilitates Indian citizenship for non-Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who entered India before 2014.
Post a comment