New Delhi (NVI): The death toll in the northeast Delhi violence has risen to 35 today, reports said, even as over 200 people have been injured in the clashes that took place in the area on Monday and Tuesday.
Reports in the media said that an alleged clash between pro and anti-Citizenship Act (CAA) is behind the massacre that has shaken the national capital.
Yesterday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reviewed the situation as he visited some violence-hit parts in northeast Delhi and interacted with locals as well as officials. NSA Doval assured the people that normalcy would return soon and also briefed Home Minister Amit Shah on the overall situation.
The violence has claimed the life of a Delhi Police head constable and an Intelligence Bureau Official.
The cop, who was killed on Monday, was identified as 42-year-old Ratan Lal from Sikar in Rajasthan.
The IB official has been identified as 26-year-old Ankit Sharma and he was brutally thrashed by a mob while he was returning home from work. His body was later recovered from a drain in northeast Delhi’s riot-hit Chand Bagh area where he lived.
Meanwhile, in response to a media query regarding comments made on recent incidents of violence in Delhi, MEA official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar today said:
“We have seen comments made by USCIRF, sections of the media and a few individuals regarding recent incidents of violence in Delhi. These are factually inaccurate and misleading, and appear to be aimed at politicising the issue.
“Our law enforcement agencies are working on the ground to prevent violence and ensure restoration of confidence and normalcy. Senior representatives of the Government have been involved in that process. Prime Minister has publically appealed for peace and brotherhood. We would urge that irresponsible comments are not made at this sensitive time.”
USCIRF had said yesterday that the Indian government should provide protection to people regardless of their faith amid reports of attacks on Muslims.
“We urge the Indian government to make serious efforts to protect Muslims and others targeted by mob violence,” USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced compensation for those affected in the violence. “Delhi government will give Rs 10 lakh to families of those killed in violence, Rs 5 lakh to those seriously injured,” he said at a press conference.
