CAA Protests HIGHLIGHTS: 6 Killed In UP Violence, Gujarat Govt Imposes Section 144 In Rajkot Till Jan 1
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Background
New Delhi: Police detained scores of protestors including several political leaders in New Delhi when they tried to take out a march to protest the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Despite the prohibitory orders of the police, a large number of people gathered near the Red Fort area to stage protests against the new law.
Swarajya Abhiyan chief Yogendra Yadav was among those detained from Red Fort, where section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code has been imposed, officials said. Meanwhile, CPI (M) leader Sitaram yechury and CPI leader Brinda Karat have also been arrested from Mandi House Area.
"I have just been detained from Lal Qila. About a thousand protesters already detained. Thousands on the way. Am told we are being taken to Bawana," Yadav tweeted after his detention.
I have just been detained from Lal Qila. About a thousand protesters already detained. Thousands on the way.
Am told we are being taken to Bawana.
साझी विरासत, साझी शहादत, साझी नागरिकता pic.twitter.com/RnkUNjfkzo
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) December 19, 2019
Police had already denied the permission for the protest near the Red Fort citing law and order issues, but the protestors said they will go ahead with the march. Section 144 prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area.
Protestors, which included activists and students, were dragged into buses in a bid to clear the area. Holding placards and shouting slogans, the protesters allowed themselves to be escorted to the buses.
"I know many of our mates are being detained, despite that many have gathered here. The citizenship of this country cannot be divided and this is our protest call today," Yadav said.
Protests against the new law are expected to intensify at the national capital today. Taking precautionary measures, the administration has imposed section 144 of CrpC near Red Fort area. Lahori Gate, Kashmere Gate and Kotwali police stations will come under this order, officials said.
Two protests are scheduled in the national capital, one by students and activists and the other by left parties. The two marches are to meet at Shaheen Park near ITO.
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"Permission has not been granted for the protest march to be held by the communist party from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar over Citizenship Ammendment Act and NRC at 12 pm today," said Delhi Police.
Administration has also stopped operations at several metro stations.
Gates Of 15 Delhi Metro Stations Closed
The entry and exit gates of 15 metro stations were shut on Thursday for security purposes, ahead of Left parties’ protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act in the national capital.
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Here is the list of stations which are closed for today. Trains will not be halting at these stations.
Patel Chowk, Lok Kalyan Marg, Udyog Bhawan, ITO, Pragati Maidan, Khan Market, Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Vishwavidyalaya, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jasola Vihar Shaheen Bagh and Munirka.
Entry & exit gates of Central Secretariat are closed. However, interchange facility is available at this station.