Anti-CAA protest turns violent in Delhi's Jaffrabad

Two groups pelted stones at each other; police fired tear gas shells

A demonstrator takes part in a protest against CAA and NRC at Jaffrabad in Delhi | AFP A demonstrator takes part in a protest against CAA and NRC at Jaffrabad in Delhi | AFP

Tension prevailed at Jaffrabad in northeast Delhi after clashes broke out between two groups during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act on Sunday afternoon.

According to reports, the protesters for and against the law pelted stones at each other, prompting police to fire tear gas shells. Trouble started after a local BJP leader tried to hold a rally in favour of the legislation.  

Police said the situation has been brought under control, though the protesters are yet to disperse.

Jaffrabad has been witnessing protests since Saturday evening when a group of women began a sit-in near the metro station. On Sunday, more than 500 protesters, mainly women, blocked a major road in the area, forcing the authorities to close the metro station. The protesters vowed not to end the agitation till the Centre revokes the contentious legislation.

Police said attempts are being made to clear the road which connects Seelampur with Maujpur and Yamuna Vihar.

Security has been tightened around the station and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that the trains would not be halting at Jaffrabad.

"Entry & exit of Jaffrabad have been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC tweeted.

As protests raged in the national capital, Union minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said several “anti-national organisations” were misusing the platform of anti-CAA agitation.

“We have taken serious note of it and started an investigation. Several anti-national organisations are misusing the platform of anti-CAA protests and many people are trying to take political advantage of the situation,” he told media.