NEW DELHI: The security in the national capital was heightened, especially in communally sensitive areas, after the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the rules for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Monday.
The police have begun foot patrolling and increased their presence to maintain law and order. Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey said police personnel patrolled and checked sensitive areas extensively. The northeast district witnessed communal riots in 2020 over the CAA issue.
Tirkey said 29 ‘Aman Committee’ (peace committee) meetings were convened to dispel misconceptions about the CAA among the public.
“We have conducted a flag march for the last two days. I plan to deploy additional forces. A detailed list of criminals and troublemakers has been compiled, and they are under police surveillance,” the DCP said. He said that the situation is peaceful and the police are constantly monitoring everything including social media.
Heavy police personnel were also deployed in southeast Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh area, which became an epicentre of the countrywide protest against the enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) four years back.
Looking back
On December 12, 2019, the government of India enacted the Citizenship Amendment Act, for granting citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It sparked widespread protests that first began in Assam and later spread to other states, including Delhi.
Shaheen Bagh in southeast Delhi became the epicentre and focal point of the protest against the government. Despite Delhi experiencing severe cold days, the women sat on an indefinite protest. Anti-CAA protests were also organised in the areas of Hauz Rani, Jama Masjid, Darya Ganj, Seelampur, Nabi Kareem, Shastri Nagar, Sadar Bazar etc. where a substantial Muslim population resided.
In February 2020, clashes broke out between the anti-CAA and pro-CAA demonstrators in Karawal Nagar, Maujpur Chowk, Babarpur, and Chand Bagh. Of the 53 people killed, two-thirds were Muslims while the rest Hindus.
Protests errupt in Jamia millia islamia, JNU issues advisory
Protests erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia after the Centre notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Act rules on Monday evening. Students, led by the Muslim Students Federation, voiced opposition against the Modi government and Delhi Police. A video surfaced that shows a group of students holding posters and banners gathered on the Jamia campus raising slogans against the CAA and the NRC. The NSUI also condemned the Act. Security was heightened around the campus to prevent further gatherings. Jamia NSUI leaders organised an event to read the Constitution’s preamble in protest. Meanwhile, JNU issued an advisory urging students to maintain peace amid ongoing events, following the CAA notification.
