LIVE! Delhi violence: US, Russia issue advisory

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Wed, 26 February 2020

Delhi violence: US, Russia issue advisory

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23:02 Delhi violence: US, Russia issue advisory

In the wake of the violence in Delhi, the United States and Russia on Wednesday issued advisories to their citizens, asking them to exercise caution and avoid violence-hit areas.

The US Embassy in India issued a security alert, advising American citizens that it is important to monitor local media outlets for updates on demonstrations, road and Metro closures, and possible curfews.

'US citizens in India should exercise caution in light of violent demonstrations in Northeast Delhi and avoid all areas with demonstrations,' the embassy advisory said.

'The Government of India-imposed law that prohibits political gatherings of four or more people -- known as Section 144 '" remains in effect in certain areas,' it said.

Advising Americans on actions they should take, the embassy urged citizens to avoid locations where heavy traffic or road closures or protests are expected.

'Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for updates. Follow the instructions of local authorities,' the advisory read.

Russia asked its citizens to be careful, avoid large gatherings and violence-hit areas -- Jaffrabad, Maujpur and Bhajanpura. -- PTI

Around 50 people who had gathered at a garden in central Mumbai's Dadar area to protest against the communal violence in Delhi were detained by the police on Wednesday evening.

The Joint Action Committee for Social Justice, which had organised the protest, said in a statement that initially it had planned to take out a candle-light march to Chaityabhoomi, Dr B R Ambedkar's memorial.

As the police barricaded the road leading to the memorial, protesters gathered at Kotwal Garden, it said.

An official of the Shivaji Park police station said that around 50 persons were detained briefly as they had not taken permission for the protest, and released later. -- PTI

22:19 Shah closely monitoring Delhi situation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has had a string of meetings in the past three days and is closely monitoring the situation in the violence-hit areas of the national capital, official sources said on Wednesday.

After violence erupted in northeast Delhi, Shah called a high-level meeting at his residence on Monday afternoon and it was attended by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Arvind Kumar, Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and other senior officers.

In the meeting that continued for over three hours, Shah was briefed about the situation and he directed the Delhi Police to take strict action to quell the violence, the sources said.

Till late in the evening that day, he again reviewed the situation and the meeting went on past midnight.

On Tuesday, Shah held a review meeting at 9 am with home ministry officials and in the noon, he met leaders of main political parties and officials of Delhi on the law and order situation in the capital.

The home minister appealed to all parties to send their MPs, MLAs, counsellors and party cadres along with senior police officials to the affected areas to help eliminate the atmosphere of fear and rumours among the general public.

Shah held another meeting with the home secretary and the director of IB at his North Block office to evaluate the situation.

In the evening, Shah initiated the process of appointing senior IPS officer S N Shrivastava as Special Commissioner of Police in Delhi, the sources said.

At 6.30 pm, Shah held yet another long meeting with the home secretary, director IB, the Deputy NSA, Delhi Police Commissioner, Shrivastava and other officials at his residence.

Even after this meeting, the home minister reviewed the situation till 2 o'clock in the night and gave necessary instructions to the police, the sources said.

On Wednesday, Shah again reviewed the security situation and was in constant touch with senior officials of the home ministry and the Delhi Police.

He was also given a briefing on the prevailing situation by NSA Ajit Doval after the latter's visit to the violence-hit areas. -- ANI

The mortal remains of Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal were consigned to flames at his ancestral village in Rajasthan's Sikar district on Wednesday.

The head constable was killed in the violence that broke out in northeast Delhi on Monday.

The funeral was conducted with state honour at Tiyawali village in the presence of his family members, relatives and senior officials from the district administration and police.

Earlier in the day, the villagers had blocked the Jhunjhunu highway for nearly five hours to raise their demands of giving the status of martyr to the head constable, compensation and a job to the next of kin of the deceased.

Sikar MP Sumedhanand Saraswati told them that the Union minister of state for home has agreed to their demands.

After getting assurance from the Sikar MP, Lal's body was brought to the village and the funeral was conducted.

The Delhi government has decided to give a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of Lal. -- PTI

IMAGE: Family members perform last rites of slain Delhi police head constable Ratan Lal, who was killed during communal riots over the amended citizenship law in east Delhi area, in Sikar district of Rajasthan, on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo

21:40 Delhi: Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for kin of deceased

A compensation of Rs 2 lakh will be paid to the next of kin of the people who have died in the communal violence over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi, senior officials said on Wednesday.

At least 24 fatalities have been reported in the violence over the last few days, 22 at GTB Hospital and two at LNJP Hospital.

"A compensation of Rs 2 lakh will be paid to the next of kin of the people who have died in the communal violence. Persons who have been seriously injured will be given a relief amount of Rs 50,000," a senior official told PTI.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the violence-hit northeast Delhi on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said his government would give a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of Head Constable Ratan Lal who was killed in the violence. -- PTI

Superstar Rajinikanth on Wednesday lashed out at the central government over the violence in Delhi that left 24 people dead, saying the riots should have been dealt with an iron fist.

The actor also opined that protests should not turn violent and recalled his earlier statement that he will stand by Muslims if they were affected by the amended citizenship law.

"Definitely it is Central government's intelligence failure. I strongly condemn the Central government," he told reporters in Chennai.

The actor also rued that some sections of media and political observers were linking him with the Bharatiya Janata Party. -- PTI

20:58 106 arrested for Delhi violence: Police

The Delhi Police has arrested 106 people for their alleged involvement in the northeast Delhi violence and registered 18 first information report, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.

"No untoward incident was reported on Wednesday and PCR calls from northeast Delhi have reduced," Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Mandeep Singh Randhawa told reporters.

Police also released two helpline numbers -- 011-22829334, 22829335 -- for people to reach out during distress. -- PTI

An Indian Air Force aircraft carrying around 15 tonnes of medical supplies left for the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday.

The C-17 military aircraft will bring back over 80 Indians and around 40 citizens from neighbouring countries, government sources said.

Last week, India accused China of deliberately delaying permission to send the aircraft while allowing other countries to operate flight from Wuhan to evacuate their citizens.

China had rejected India's charges.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the medical supplies will help augment China's efforts to control the outbreak of coronavirus infection which was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation.

It said the aircraft carried around 15 tonnes of medical supplies comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment.

'The assistance being sent today is also a mark of friendship and solidarity from the people of India towards the people of China as the two countries also celebrate 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year,' the MEA said in a statement.

It said the assistance has been provided in the wake the coronavirus outbreak in China and a request by the country to provide supplies such as masks and medical equipment.

The death toll in China's coronavirus epidemic climbed to 2,715 while the number of confirmed cases rose to 78,064.

In a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on February 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed India's solidarity with the people and government of China and also offered assistance in this 'hour of need as a gift'.

'The IAF flight will also bring back some Indian and foreign nationals from some of our neighbouring countries who have sought assistance in travelling to India in keeping with Prime Minister Modi's neighbourhood first policy,' the MEA said.

The flight will arrive in India on Thursday. -- PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia interacted with the local residents in the sensitive areas in Northeast Delhi.

They took stock of the situation there.

Earlier, the CM and the deputy CM also visited the office of DCP North East.

Details are awaited. -- ANI

18:52 Doval briefs Shah on Delhi situation

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday briefed Home Minister Amit Shah about the prevailing situation in North East Delhi where communal violence has claimed at least 22 lives, officials said.

Doval met Shah soon after his visit to the riot-affected areas of the national capital at the latter's North Block office.

This was the NSA's second visit to the violence-hit localities in less than 24 hours.

The NSA briefed the home minister about the current law and order situation in North East Delhi and steps taken to bring back normalcy there, a home ministry official said.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Arvind Kumar and Commissioner of Delhi Police Amulya Patnaik attended the meeting.

At least 22 people have been killed and over 200 injured in communal violence that broke out in northeast Delhi three days ago.

Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Babarpur, Yamuna Vihar, Bhajanpura, Chand Bagh, Shiv Vihar are among the areas mainly affected by the riots. -- PTI

18:41 Kejriwal announces Rs 1 cr for slain cop's kin

The Delhi government will give a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of head constable Ratan Lal who was killed in violence in northeast Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced Wednesday.

"As per the Delhi government's policy, we will give Rs 1 crore to head constable Ratan Lal's family," he said in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

Kejriwal had visited Lal's family on Tuesday.

"Politics of hatred and violence will not be tolerated. Common man of Delhi did not indulge in violence; outsiders, some political elements are involved in it," Kejriwal said. -- PTI

18:30 Tomorrow's Class 12 exam postponed in NE Delhi

The Central Board of Secondary Eeducation Class 12 English exam on Thursday has been postponed in the northeast and parts of east Delhi in view of the turbulent situation due to violence, according to officials.

"Considering request of Delhi government and to avoid inconvenience to students, staff and parents, the board has decided to postpone the exam for class 12 in North East Part of Delhi," CBSE Secretary Anurag Tripathi said.

The exam has been postponed at 73 centres in northeast Delhi and seven centres in east Delhi.

"However, the exam in rest parts of Delhi shall be conducted as per scheduled. The next date of exam for affected students will be notified shortly," the official said.

At least 22 people were killed and over 180 injured in communal violence over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi over the past three days. -- PTI

Hum akele nahin aaya hain, PM ke hukum se aayen hain, NSA Doval tells a woman assuring her that she would be safe. "People have a sense of unity among them, there is no enmity. A few criminals do things like this (spread violence), people are trying to isolate them. Police is here and doing its work. We're here as per the orders of the Home Minister and the Prime Minister. Inshallah yahan par bilkul aman hoga."

Violence had erupted in Delhi on Sunday evening after groups protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act and those supporting it indulged in stone-pelting at each other.

The confrontation soon turned communal and the violence spread to other areas of northeast Delhi including Chand Bagh, Mustafabad, Brijpuri, Shiv Vihar and Noor Ilahi on Monday and Tuesday in which at least 20 persons, including a police head constable, have died and over 200 have been injured.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visits the Maujpur area in violence-hit northeast Delhi to take stock of the situation there."Situation is totally under control. People are satisfied. I have confidence in law enforcement agencies. Police is doing its work," Doval said after visiting the area.

Doval interacted with the local residents of northeast Delhi and while speaking to a woman resident says, "Prem ki bhaavna bana kar rakhiye. Hamara ek desh hai, hum sab ko milkar rehna hai. Desh ko mil kar aage badhana hai."

Doval has been deputed by the PM and Home Minister to take stock of the situation on the ground at the troubled spots. He has in fact going from street to street sending out the message of the amity to a city torn apart by three days of mayhem.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the police to take "conscious decision" with respect to lodging of FIRs against alleged hate speeches by three BJP leaders in connection with the CAA violence and convey by Thursday. The three BJP leaders are -- Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Anup J Bhambhani took on record the assurance by special commissioner Praveer Ranjan that he will sit with the police commissioner today itself and view all video clips and take a conscious decision on lodging of FIRS. The high court also issued notices to the parties concerned on the plea filed by the Centre seeking to be impleaded in the case. The matter will be heard further on Thursday. PTI

17:16 Priyanka Gandhi begins peace march in Delhi

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sushmita Dev, KC Venugopal and other Congress leaders join a 'peace march' in Delhi.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday said the violence in Delhi is a "chilling reminder" of the 2002 Gujarat riots. He said there was no way to restore peace and normalcy in Delhi other than by calling in the Army.

"It's clear that the violence in Delhi has the sanction of police and that of the powers that govern them. Adequate compensation should be provided to the kin of the dead and those injured by the Centre and the state government," he said. The Delhi Police comes under the Union Home Ministry. -- PTI

Image: Riot-affected Johripur in North East Delhi. No fresh violence was reported today with security personnel deployed in the area

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed concern over the violence in northeast Delhi, saying that it cannot let another riot like the one in 1984 happen under its watch.

A division bench of Justice S Muralidhar and Justice Anup Jairam Bambani also asked some of the highest functionaries in the State and the Central governments to personally meet the victims and their families and slated the matter for Friday.

"We cannot let another 1984 scenario (anti-Sikh riots) happen in this country again. Not under the watch of this court," the bench said.

The court also expressed concern over the reports regarding the killing of an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer in the violence in northeast Delhi and termed it "very unfortunate".It also directed to set up helpline desks for immediate help for victims and directed that private ambulances should be provided for safe passage of victims.

Stressing the need to rebuild confidence, the High Court said that this is the time to reach out to people and assure them.

"It must be done as soon as possible," said the bench.The court also directed to set up shelters for the victims with basic facilities like blankets, medicines, food, and sanitation on a war footing and said that night shelters and community halls shall also be used for the same.

The High Court also appointed advocate Zubeda Begum as amicus curiae to coordinate between victims and various agencies in the matter related to medical assistance and safe passage of the victims.

The court, while hearing a petition seeking directions to the Delhi Police to provide medical assistance to the injured in the violence, also appreciated how swiftly the Delhi Police acted.

Twenty-two people have died while hundreds of others were injured in the violence that ensued in northeast Delhi between two factions over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday and Tuesday. -- ANI

15:20 Delhi riots: Death toll goes up to 22

The death toll in the Delhi riots goes up to 22 from 20 this morning.

The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed sorrow at the death of Intelligence Bureau Officer Ankit Sharma, whose body was found in Chand Bagh area of the national capital.

"Such a tragic loss of life. The culprits must not be spared. 20 people have already lost their lives. So painful to watch people of Delhi suffering. Praying that we recover from this tragedy soon and work together to undo damage done to people and communities," Kejriwal tweeted.

Sharma's body was found in the North-East district's Chand Bagh area on Wednesday.

The North-East district of the national capital has been witnessing incidents of violence and arson for the past two days. The death toll in the violence between pro and anti CAA protesters in the areas of North-East Delhi has risen to 20 on Wednesday, according to GTB Hospital authorities. -- ANI

Image: Stones and bricks cover a portion of the road during clashes at Bhagirathi Vihar, in New Delhi, on Wednesday.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Rakhi Birla was unanimously elected the Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly for the second consecutive term on Wednesday. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia proposed the name of Birla, who is the MLA from Mangolpuri. Birla thanked all members of the Assembly for electing her as the Deputy Speaker. PTI

14:56 Kapil Mishra's speech shameful: Priyanka

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said what BJP leader Kapil Mishra had said was "shameful" but the government's silence on it was even "more shameful".

Speaking just minutes after Congress president Sonia Gandhi's press briefing where she demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's

resignation, Priyanka appealed to all the people of Delhi to desist from violence and maintain peace and harmony.

"What BJP leader Kapil Mishra has said is shameful and the government not doing anything is even more shameful, says Priyanka Gandhi. She also appealed to the people of Delhi not to indulge in any violence as it is they who will suffer due to it. She also urged all Congress party workers to ensure that there is peace in the city.

"I appeal to the people, for God's sake, do not indulge in violence as it is they who will suffer due to the violence. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and calm. I have also appealed to the people of Uttar Pradesh to not allow the spread of violence in the state. I have also urged Congress workers to not allow any spread of violence and urge people to maintain peace," she told reporters.

Priyanka Gandhi is the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Congress affairs in Uttar Pradesh East. Mishra had earlier made an open call to forcibly remove protesters from various protest sites. PTI

The Delhi Police on Wednesday told a court in the national capital that no cognisable offence was found against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma.

The Delhi Police has sought time to file a final Action Taken Report on a complaint filed against the two BJP leaders.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vishal Pahuja, after hearing the arguments in the matter, reserved the order for March 2, on a complaint filed by CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat against the two BJP leaders for their alleged hate speeches during the Delhi assembly polls' campaign.

The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police, in a status report filed in the court, said that on the basis of the allegation levelled in the complaint, "prima facie no cognisable offence has been found to be committed".

However, it added that legal opinion is being sought out on the complaint in view of the same some more time may kindly be granted to submit a final action taken report on the complaint.

Earlier, the court had directed the Crime Branch to file an ATR in the matter.

The complaint, filed by CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat and KM Tewari, sought filing of FIRs under several relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the two BJP leaders.

Thakur had raised the slogan "Desh Ke Gaddaro Ko, Goli Maaro Saalo Ko" (shoot the traitors of the country) several times while addressing a public meeting here in Rithala on January 27.

On the other hand, Verma, in a controversial statement had said, "Lakhs of people gather there (Shaheen Bagh). People of Delhi will have to think and make a decision. They will enter your houses, rape your sisters and daughters, kill them. There is time today, Modi Ji and Amit Shah won't come to save you tomorrow..." -- ANI

The Bar Association of India has expressed concern and dismay over the use of "effusive terms of praise and adulation" by Supreme Court Judge Justice Arun Mishra for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying such an act served to dilute the perception of impartiality and independence of the judiciary. It is a foundational obligation of the judges to maintain a discreet and dignified distance from the executive branch of the government, it said. BAI President Lalit Bhasin said in a statement on Tuesday that such an act also diminishes the confidence of the public as the judges of the apex court are expected to decide cases against the executive branch while upholding constitutional principles and the Rule of Law as paramount.

"The executive committee of the Bar Association of India is deeply concerned and dismayed by certain statements made by Justice Arun Mishra, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as part of his vote of thanks address in the International Judicial Conference...

"The executive committee of the Bar Association of India is of the view that the use of effusive terms of praise and adulation by Justice Mishra about Prime Minister go beyond the terms of formal courtesy extended during a vote of thanks address," Bhasin said.

"Such an act serves to dilute the perception of impartiality and independence and diminishes the confidence of general public as the judges of the Supreme Court are expected to decide cases against the executive branch while upholding constitutional principles and the Rule of Law as paramount," he said in the statement.

BAI further said that an independent judiciary was essential for a democratic polity and a constant vigil is necessary to maintain and strengthen it. -- PTI

Image: Justice Arun Mishra.

Body of Intelligence Bureau Officer Ankit Sharma found in Northeast district's Chand Bagh area today. Details awaited.

14:01 Delhi riots: PM appeals for peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets on the Delhi riots: "Had 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. 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."

File pic.

13:56 Sonia sniffs conspiracy behind Delhi violence

Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi addresses the media on the violence in Delhi.

"There is a conspiracy behind the violence; country also saw this during Delhi elections. Many BJP leaders made comments creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred.

"The Delhi Police has remained paralysed in the last 72 hours and around 18 lives have been lost so far, including a head constable, and hundreds are in hospital, many with gunshot injuries. Violence continues unabated on the streets of North East Delhi.

"The CM and the Delhi government are equally responsible for not activating the administration to reach out to the people to maintain peace and harmony. It is the collective failure of both governments that have resulted in a great tragedy in the capital city. The Centre and the Union Home Minister is responsible for the present situation in Delhi and the Union Home Minister should resign."

AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Wednesday attacked the Delhi Police for allegedly failing to contain the violence in northeast Delhi and asked why the borders areas were not sealed despite Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's requests. He claimed that law and order situation in the city has "deteriorated" after Amit Shah took over as the Union Home Minister. "People instigating violence have no religion.

It was a failure of the Delhi police which failed to seal the border areas. Why were the border areas not sealed despite Arvind Kejriwal's requests?" the AAP leader said.

"People are being killed, shops and homes are being burnt. The law and order is under the Home Ministry and since Amit Shah became the Home Minister things have deteriorated," he said in a press briefing. -- PTI

Security personnel on Wednesday conducted a flag march in Babarpur in North-East Delhi after its nearby areas witnessed arson and stone-pelting.All the security personnel were equipped with riot gears and batons during the march. Some of them were also seen with INSAS rifles.

The death toll in the violence over the Citizenship Amendment Act in parts of North-East Delhi has risen to 20 on Wednesday, according to GTB hospital authorities.On Tuesday, the death toll was 13.

Curfew was imposed last evening in violence-hit areas of the North-East district to bring the situation under control. With sporadic incidents of violence being reported from the area, government sources have told ANI that the National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has been given the charge of bringing normalcy in the capital.Sources also said that Doval will brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Cabinet about the prevailing situation.

Notably, the NSA last night had visited Jaffrabad, Seelampur and other parts of North-East Delhi where he held talks with leaders of different communities. -- ANI

Following the spate of violence in the North-East Delhi that claimed the lives of 20 people, police on Wednesday imposed Section 144 in the Seelampur area for a month.

"For one month, section 144 is imposed in the Seelampur area. No one should be seen here. Right now we are explaining politely, afterward, we will deal strictly. Close the shops here," announced Police while patrolling the area for maintaining the law and order.Meanwhile, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Police conducted a flag march at Bhagirathi Vihar in Gokulpuri.

The death toll in the violence between pro and anti CAA protestors in the areas of North-East Delhi has risen to 20 on Wednesday, according to GTB Hospital authorities.

"Out of the people that were brought to the hospital 189 are injured and 20 are dead," said Sunil Kumar Gautam Medical Superintendent, Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital.The national capital has been witnessing violence over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. -- ANI

Image: Delhi Commissioner of Police, Amulya Patnaik says normalcy has returned in North East district to a large extent; senior officers are on rounds, extra forces have been given and a lot of confidence building measures are being taken. Things being brought back to normal.

13:18 Delhi police shares numbers of city hospitals

The Delhi police has shared contact numbers of police personnel who are at various hospitals for those desirous of seeking information on victims admitted following communal violence in the northeast part of the national capital.

At Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Sub-Inspector Gajender Singh can be contacted on 9818120026 for details.

Sub-Inspector Yogender Singh can be reached at 7982756328 for details of victims in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital and Maulana Azad Hospital.

Sub-Inspector Devender Singh is stationed at RML Hospital and can be contacted at 9818313342 to seek information.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Narender Rana can be reached on 9868738042 for those admitted at Al-Hind Hospital. The death toll in the communal violence that took place in northeast Delhi has risen to 20. PTI

12:35 SC to hear Shaheen Bagh matter on March 23

The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned till March 23 hearing on pleas seeking removal of the crowd protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at Shaheen Bagh area in the national capital.

A division bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and also comprising KM Joseph said that they have to look into the road closure issue.

"We are informed that there are certain unfortunate issues that happened," Justice Kaul said.The apex court also refused to interfere with the application, filed by Chandrashekhar Azad and social activist Bahadur Abbas Naqvi, seeking court-monitored SIT probe into the alleged Delhi riots observing that the Delhi High Court is looking into the matter.

The top court had on Tuesday agreed to hear the application about the recent violence in northeast Delhi over the CAA.

The interlocutors, appointed by the top court to engage with the anti-CAA protestors at Shaheen Bagh and convince them to demonstrate at an alternate location, had submitted their report in a sealed cover on Monday.

The top court had last week appointed senior advocates -- Sanjay Hedge, Sadhana Ramachandran and former bureaucrat Wajahat Habibullah -- as interlocutors to talk to the protestors.

A public interest litigation in the matter, filed by Nand Kishore Garg and Amit Sahni through their lawyer Shashank Deo Sudhi, sought appropriate directions to the Centre and others concerned for removal of protestors from Shaheen Bagh near Kalindi Kunj. -- ANI

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said class 10 and 12 students, who have board examination centres in violence-hit northeast Delhi, need to be informed in one go about the schedule for the next 10-15 days and not on piecemeal basis.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher said the situation in northeast Delhi is getting worse and there have been more deaths and, therefore, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) needs to take a call for the next 10-15 days.

The court asked the CBSE to come with instructions about a long-term plan at 2.15 pm. The direction by the court came after the CBSE on Wednesday said that the exams in 86 schools in the violence-hit northeast Delhi have been postponed. PTI

The Supreme Court on Wednesday termed as 'unfortunate' the incidents of violence in Delhi but refused to entertain pleas on them. A bench comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said it will not expand the scope of petitions filed in connection with the protests at Shaheen Bagh by looking into the pleas on violence.

"These things would not have happened had police not allowed instigators to get away, the SC observed. SC Judge K M Joseph says there was lack of professionalism on part of police and gives an example of police in US and UK, and says the force has to act professionally as per law if something goes wrong.

The court said it has nothing against Delhi Police but is making remarks keeping in mind larger perspective.

The court also justifies its decision to appoint interlocutors, says it is out of box solution. It puts the Shaheen Bagh matter for hearing on March 23 saying there is need for magnanimity and for situation to cool down before Shaheen Bagh issue is taken up.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the apex court that the Delhi High Court has heard pleas connected with the violence. After this, the bench disposed the applications saying it is for the high court to take note of the matter.

The death toll in northeast Delhi communal violence rose to 18 on Wednesday from 13 the day earlier.

The Delhi High Court directed police to respond by 12:30 pm on Wednesday to a plea seeking lodging of FIRs and arrests of those involved in the ongoing communal violence in parts of northeast Delhi over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Talwant Singh said a senior-level police officer, who is aware of the facts, should be present before it at 12:30 pm with instructions.

The bench said it does not require the presence of all the police officers as they are required to be at the spot of violence. The court said police does not need its direction to take action in relation to the violence and police should take suo motu action as "this is very important". -- PTI

Image: A team of the fire department is conducting a cooling operation at the tyre market in Gokulpuri area; the market was set ablaze on 24th February.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought response of the Jammu and Kashmir administration on a plea challenging former J-K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's detention under the Public Safety Act.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra also asked Iltija Mufti, daughter of the PDP chief, to give an undertaking stating that she has not filed any other petition before other judicial forum, including the high court, challenging the detention of her mother.

Iltija had filed a habeas corpus (bring the person) petition in the apex court challenging the government's order issued on February 5 for invoking the Public Safety Act (PSA) provision against Mehbooba Mufti to keep her in detention.

The bench has now posted the plea for hearing on March 18.

Earlier, the same bench had issued notice to the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory administration on a similar plea filed against the government notification invoking the PSA against former chief minister Omar Abdullah. PTI

Congress leaders will march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to seek normalcy and peace in violence-hit Delhi after its working committee meeting on Wednesday, party sources said.

They will also submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind. The death toll in the communal violence in northeast Delhi rose to 17 on Wednesday, according to GTB Hospital authorities. -- PTI

Image: Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) SN Shrivastava and Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), Satish Golcha (not in picture) inspected the Jafrabad area. SN Shrivastava was appointed as Special CP, yesterday.

11:33 Kapil Mishra slams those demanding his arrest

BJP leader Kapil Mishra on Wednesday slammed those demanding his arrest for allegedly making inflammatory statements pertaining to North-East Delhi violence.

The BJP leader tweeting saying, "People who never considered Burhan Wani and Afzal Guru as terrorists are calling Kapil Mishra a terrorist. People who have gone to courts for getting bail for Yakub Memon, Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam are demanding the arrest of Kapil Mishra. Jai Shri Ram! "

On Sunday, Mishra had issued an ultimatum to the Delhi Police to clear the streets of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters.

Mishra tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi) stating, "Giving a three-day ultimatum to Delhi Police to clear the roads in Jaffrabad and Chand Bagh of protesters. Don't try to reason with us after this, because we won't pay heed."

He also attached a video with his tweet and wrote, "We will maintain peace until Donald Trump is in India. After that, we refuse to listen to even the police if the roads are not cleared.... we will be forced to hit the streets."

After coming in the limelight for his remarks, Mishra on Monday appealed to the people of Delhi to maintain peace and stop the violence. "I appeal to everyone to stop the violence, which will not lead to any solution. Whether it is the people who are supporting CAA or those who are against it, I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. Delhi's brotherhood should remain intact," Mishra had told ANI.

The areas in North-East Delhi have been witnessing violent protests over the past two days leading to 18 deaths and over a hundred injured in these clashes between pro and anti CAA protestors. -- ANI

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Talwant Singh said a senior-level police officer, who is aware of the facts, should be present before it at 12:30 pm with instructions.

The court said police does not need its direction to take action in relation to the violence and police should take suo motu action as "this is very important".

The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing before Justice Muralidhar's bench by senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for human rights activist Harsh Mander, as the bench headed by the Chief Justice was not holding the court on Wednesday. PTI

11:17 Kejriwal wants army in Delhi, toll rises to 20

The death toll in northeast Delhi communal violence over the amended citizenship law rose to 20 on Wednesday, according to GTB Hospital authorities. On Tuesday, the death toll was 13. "The death toll has risen to 20 today," Medical Superintendent of GTB Hospital, Sunil Kumar, told PTI. Earlier, at least four bodies were brought to the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital from the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, a senior official said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said the situation in northeast Delhi is alarming and wanted the army to be called in.

The students of Jamia Millia Islamia university todaystaged a protest outside Kejriwal's residence to demand his action against the communal violence in northeast Delhi. The call to gherao the chief minister's residence post midnight was given by Jamia Coordination Committee, which comprises students and alumni from the varsity.

The Delhi High Court is set to hear on Wednesday, three matters related to the violence in the North-East district of the national capital.

In the first matter, the court will hear a plea seeking judicial enquiry, and compensation to deceased family and action against several political leaders for allegedly inciting violence through their hate speeches.

In the second matter, the court will hear a plea of school and students regarding change of centre of CBSE examaminations in the violence-hit Chandu Nagar (Karawal Nagar).

This petition is most likely to get disposed of or get infructuous as the CBSE has already in late evening of Tuesday has postponed the board examination date of more than 80 schools related to violence-hit areas of the Northeast Delhi.

Thirdly, the court will hear a plea seeking safe passage of injured victims of the violence to medical institutions with adequate facilities.

A midnight hearing also took place before Justices S Muralidhar and Anup J Bhambhani of the Delhi High Court regarding matters related to provide medical facilities to the victims of violence.

A status report of compliance, including information about the injured victims and the treatment offered to them, is likely to be placed before the court later today. -- ANI

10:49 Rahul MIA at CWC meet on Delhi violence

Amid continued communal violence in parts of northeast Delhi that has claimed 17 lives, the Congress top leadership started deliberations on the issue at a meeting of its working committee on Wednesday.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and top leaders like Manmohan Singh, A K Anthony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram, Priyanka Gandhi were present during the meeting.

However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not present at the meeting as he is abroad, sources said.

The party is likely to evolve a strategy on the continued violence in Delhi, following protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The Congress is against the CAA and has urged the government to keep it in abeyance or take it back as it is causing concern among a major section of the country's population, especially the Muslim community.

The death toll in the northeast Delhi communal violence over the amended citizenship law rose to 18 on Wednesday, according to GTB Hospital authorities.

Communal violence in northeast Delhi escalated on Tuesday as police struggled to check the rioters who ran amok on streets, burning and looting shops, pelting stones and thrashing people. PTI

Mumbai resident has filed a police complaint application seeking action against journalist Rana Ayyub for posting an "old" video purportedly of the Delhi violence, an official said on Wednesday.

The complainant Ramesh Solanki claimed the video was two-year old, and it was posted by Ayyub "with an intention to spread hatred in the society and to add more fuel to the Delhi violence".

In his complaint, which he filed online on Tuesday, Solanki (50) also uploaded a photo of Rana's tweet and the twitter handle "@ranaayyub". "Please take action against this hate-monger Rana Ayyub. The video shared by Rana Ayyub is two-year old and she is sharing it again in this situation trying to spread hatred in the society and to incite people and add more fuel to the Delhi violence.

"Rana is regular at posting false rumours and defame India and Government of India, it's very necessary to take action against her before she is successful in creating communal disharmony in the country, arrest her and take legal action against her (sic)," stated the complaint.

A senior Mumbai Cyber Crime official said they will first verify facts before deciding to take any action, if needed. "If needed, we will transfer the complaint to police station concerned for further investigation," he said. A 45-second video clip posted on the twitter handle @RanaAyyub on February 25 shows some men attempting to place a saffron flag and the National tricolour on what looks like a minaret, against the backdrop of billowing black smoke.

"Re-posting this video after verifying its authenticity. It is from Delhi. Men marching on top of a mosque, vandalising it and placing a saffron flag over it," Ayyub tweeted.

Ayyub had shared the video earlier as well, but deleted it after it was alleged to be fake. She then posted it again. Eighteen people have died so far and over hundred were injured in the violence that has gripped several parts of north east Delhi over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) since Sunday. PTI

10:38 Heavy security in violence-hit northeast Delhi

Security personnel have been deployed in several areas of northeast Delhi in the wake of incidents of violence and arson in the past 48 hours. Maujpur, Seelampur and Gokulpuri areas are seeing high police bandobast.

Entry and exit gates at all five metro stations in North-East Delhi, which were closed in view of violence in the area have been opened, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said on Wednesday.

"Entry and exit gates at all stations have been opened. Normal services have resumed in all stations," DMRC had tweeted.Five Delhi Metro stations in the North-East district -- Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar were shut down in view of the violent clashes over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had held a meeting with Delhi Police and his ministry officials in the wake of violence that has been raging in the national capital for the past two days.

On Tuesday, Shah had also chaired a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and other political leaders regarding the violence and the prevailing situation in Delhi.At least 18 people lost their lives and around 190 have been injured in the violence. -- ANI

Image: Uneasy calm in the Seelampur area of northeast Delhi. NSA Ajit Doval had visited the areas affected by violence last night and had reviewed security arrangements in the area

India's approach in dealing with terrorism has undergone a major change as its armed forces now do not hesitate to cross the border to protect the country against the menace, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on the first anniversary of the Balakot air strike.

A fleet of Indian Air Force aircraft had bombed a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

"I thank the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi for bringing change in India's approach against terrorism & our ways to counter terror. "The Surgical Strikes of 2016 and Balakote Air Strikes of 2019 are testimony to this change. This is certainly a New and Confident India in making," Singh said in a series of tweets. PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke to the family of the Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Sharma, who was injured during clashes between two groups in Delhi's Gokulpuri, and inquired about his health.

Shahdara DCP Amit Sharma was injured during clashes between two groups in Delhi's Gokulpuri on Monday. One Delhi Police head constable lost his life during the clashes on Monday.

"The situation is very tense. We are continuously receiving calls related to incidents of violence from North-East Delhi," Delhi Police stated. The Commissioner of Police also held a meeting at Seelampur DCP Office on Monday night.Meanwhile, Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital informed media that the death toll in the violence has reached 18 on Wednesday.

The clashes between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters took place at various places in the North-East District of Delhi on Monday. -- ANI

Image: Shahdara DCP Amit Sharma was injured during clashes between two groups in Delhi's Gokulpuri on Monday

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval will attend the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, today at 10:30 am. Doval has been given the charge of bringing the Delhi violence under control. He will be briefing the PM and Cabinet on the situation.

The NSA last night, visited Jafrabad, Seelampur and other parts of Northeast Delhi where he held talks with leaders of different communities. The NSA has made it clear that lawlessness would not be allowed to remain in the national capital and adequate number of police forces and paramilitary forces have been deployed. The police have been given a free hand to bring the situation under control.

In a midnight hearing, the Delhi High Court directed the police to ensure safe passage to government hospitals and emergency treatment for those injured in the communal violence erupted in northeast Delhi over the amended citizenship law.

The court held a special hearing, which started at 12:30 am, at the residence of Justice S Muralidhar after receiving a call from an advocate explaining the dire circumstances under which the victims were unable to be removed from a small hospital to the GTB Hospital.

The toll now stands at 18.

"I am not really happy with the way the Delhi police is handling the (law and order) situation," former Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com.

09:53 Slain Delhi cop's family demand martyr status

In Sikar, Rajasthan, locals along with family members of Delhi Police Head Constable Rattan Lal, who lost his life in the violence in North-East Delhi, protest at his native place Sadeensar, demanding martyr status for him.

Family members of the slain cop have blocked the road leading to his village in Rajasthan. Ratan Lal (42), a head constable attached to the office of the ACP Gokalpuri, died after he sustained injuries during stone-pelting at Chand Bagh. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Senior police officials and district administration were seen trying to convince the family members to vacate the road and allow the cremation of Ratan Lal. Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal led the wreath-laying ceremony on Tuesday to pay tributes to Ratan Lal.

The violence over the amended citizenship act in India's capital New Delhi drew sharp reactions from US lawmakers with the mainstream media prominently reporting it along with the just-concluded visit of President Donald Trump.

Reacting to the violence that has claimed 17 lives in the past a couple of days, US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said the "deadly surge of religious intolerance in India is horrifying".

"Democracies should not tolerate division and discrimination or promote laws that undermine religious freedom," she said in a tweet, adding that the "world is watching".

The Parliament had passed the Citizenship Amendment Act last year, resulting in a series of protests across the country.

Congressman Alan Lowenthal too termed the violence a "tragic failure of moral leadership".

"We must speak out in the face of threats to human rights in India," he said.

Democratic presidential candidate and Senator Elizabeth Warren also a swipe at the violence, saying, "It's important to strengthen relationships with democratic partners like India. But we must be able to speak truthfully about our values, including religious freedom and freedom of expression, and violence against peaceful protesters is never acceptable."

Congresswoman Rashida Talib tweeted, "This week, Trump visited India but the real story should be the communal violence targeting Muslims in Delhi right now. We cannot be silent as this tide of anti-Muslim violence continues across India."

-- PTI

09:03 Toll in Delhi clashes rises to 17

The death toll in the Delhi clashes has risen to 17 on Wednesday.

The violence, which started on Sunday after anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests blocked a road outside Jaffrabad Metro station and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kapil Mishra called a gathering in favour of CAA, intensified on Tuesday, despite shored up security in the city in view of United States President Donald Trump's visit.

In view of the violence, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited northeast Delhi early on Wednesday morning. Ajit Doval visited several violence-hit parts of northeast Delhi such as Seelampur, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar and Maujpur. He was accompanied the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Visiting US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held talks at New Delhis Hyderabad House. A big shamiana with dozens of chairs were put up for journalists in attendance as the two leaders read their statements.

The ministry of external affairs had made it known that no questions would be allowed at the joint press conference. By the time the event took place, most also knew that the American president would be speaking to the press in the evening at a city hotel.

This led to an embarrassing situation with several empty chairs since many journalists decided to skip the Hyderabad House event and went to the hotel instead. Eventually, the security staff, who were not in khaki, were asked to occupy the empty seats to give the occasion a semblance of respectable attendance.

-- Business Standard

Former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa has said that bombing of Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot by Indian Air Force marks a paradigm shift in the way India conduct operations.

Exactly a year ago India carried out air-strike at a terror camp in Balakot. "One year has gone past and we look back with satisfaction. We have learned a lot of lessons, lot of things have been implemented post-Balakot operations. Basically, it is a paradigm shift in the way we conduct our operations. The other side never believed that we could carry out a strike inside Pakistan to take out terror training camp which we successfully executed. It is a paradigm shift and the result is there for you to see," said Dhanoa.

He pointed out that after air-strike there were no major terrorist attacks during the Lok Sabha polls because it acted as a deterrent.

He said the mission has not been declassified yet.

"All that I want to tell you is when the government told us and all three services were there, and because it is not only the Air Force... It is always a joint battle. It is the first time I believe that all three services said that should there be an escalation as far as Pakistan is concerned, we can easily take them on," he said.

"And go-ahead was given and thereafter everybody knew that the IAF was going to lead the strike. After the mission was carried out, I personally informed the national leadership as well as the other two service chiefs that mission has been successful early in the morning," said Dhanoa.

-- ANI

In a midnight hearing, the Delhi high court directed police to ensure safe passage and emergency treatment for those injured in the violence over the amended citizenship law.

The hearing took place at the residence of Justice S Murlidhar on an urgent plea seeking safe passage for the injured to medical institutions with adequate facilities.

The Bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Anup J Bhambhani directed the Delhi Police to deploy all resources to ensure this.

The Bench also called for a compliance report, including information about the injured and the treatment offered to them.

The matter will now be heard on Wednesday at 2.15 pm.

The Bench said the order be communicated to the medical superintendents of the Guru Tegh Bahadur and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan hospitals in Delhi.

Communal violence over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi had claimed at least 13 lives till Tuesday as police struggled to check the rioters who ran amok on streets, burning and looting shops, pelting stones and thrashing people.

-- PTI

Alumni Association of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jamia Coordination Committee on Wednesday organised a demonstration outside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence, seeking action against those responsible for violence in the national capital and restoration of peace in the city.

People gathered outside Kejriwal's residence and raised slogans demanding action against those responsible for violence in Delhi. They also gheraoed Kejriwal's residence.

Appealing to Kejriwal to take action against the violence in affected areas in Northeast Delhi, protesters who called themselves concerned citizens, asked the chief minister to personally visit affected areas with local MLAs and organise peace marches to de-escalate tensions.

They also urged the chief minister to inform citizens about steps taken by the Delhi government and allow all rescue operations to reach hospitals from the affected areas.

They further appealed to identify perpetrators of violence and take action against them.

Indians, on board the cruise ship off the Japan coast, who have not tested positive for the novel coronavirus will be repatriated on February 26 by a chartered flight, the Indian embassy in Tokyo said on Tuesday, as the number of infected Indians on the vessel rose to 16 after the completion of all tests.

A total of 138 Indians, including 132 crew and 6 passengers, were among the 3,711 people, on board the Diamond Princess ship when it docked at the Yokohama port, near Tokyo, on February 3.

'PCR test results for all Indian nationals declared-02 more Indians tested positive to #COVID19, taking the total to 16. Those fulfilling conditions and consenting to repatriation to India on 26 Feb being facilitated by the Indian Government. Details shared with them,' the embassy tweeted.

'A chartered flight is being arranged to repatriate Indian nationals on board Diamond Princess, provided they have (a) consented, (b) not tested positive for COVID19, (c) cleared by the medical team,' the mission tweeted earlier.

'An email advisory to this effect, with details, has been sent to them,' it said.

Passengers showing no signs of the deadly disease started deboarding the ship after the quarantine period ended last week. -- PTI

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