PM appeals people to maintain peace and harmony.

New Delhi, Feb 26 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed the people of Delhi to maintain peace and harmony in the city. The PM’s message came amid violent clashes that took place between two groups including anti and pro CAA law killing 20 people in North-East of Delhi.

In a tweet, Prime Minister said, “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.”

In another tweet, Modi said, “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.”

In two tweets on Wednesday afternoon, PM Modi said he held an extensive review meeting to look at the current situation in the national capital.

At least 20 people were killed in North-East Delhi in violence erupted after a clash in anti and pro-Citizenship Amendment Law (CAA). The anti CAA protesters blocked the entire road in the Jaffrabad area of North-East district.

Opposing the move of blocking the main road, another pro-CAA group led by BJP leader Kapil Mishra also held a demonstration in the same area of Jaffrabad.

Reacting to which the anti-CAA people resorted to violence and started pelting stones at the pro-CAA people injuring several people. In order to disperse the mob, Delhi Police used tear gas shells at the people. In first day violence, four people including one head constable of Delhi police, Ratan Lal was killed. He sustained bullet injuries.

The violence that started on Sunday has claimed 20 lives so far besides injuring more than 200 people. Besides, 48 police personnel were also injured in the clashes. Sporadic incidents of arson and clashes continued to be reported even on Wednesday.

The affected areas included Chand Bagh, Bhajanpura, Gokulpuri, Maujpur, Kardampuri, and Jaffrabad.

Meanwhile, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing his responsible for the violence.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi said, “The Centre and the Union Home Minister is responsible for the present situation in Delhi. The Union Home Minister should resign.”

She added, “There is a conspiracy behind the violence. The country saw this during the Delhi elections as well. Many BJP leaders made inciting comments creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred.”

Seeing gravity of the situation, section 144 has been imposed in the disturbed areas of the Nor-East district of Delhi. Shoot at sight orders have also been given in some parts of riot-affected areas. The Police has also issued a list of officials who can be contacted in case of emergency in wake of the riots in the district.