Security Tightened In Northeast Delhi After CAA Implementation, Police Identify 43 Hotspots

The police is on high alert in Northeast Delhi following the implementation of CAA. A total of 43 hotspots including Shaheen Bagh and Jamia Nagar.

In the wake of the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, security has been heightened in several parts of Delhi, with paramilitary forces conducting night patrols and flag marches in key areas such as northeast Delhi, Shaheen Bagh, and Jamia Nagar.

The CAA was passed in Parliament on December 11, 2019, which triggered widespread nationwide protests, including in Delhi, where months-long demonstrations were staged in 2019-2020, with Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh emerging as focal points of dissent. In early 2020, the city witnessed communal riots in its northeastern parts over the issue in which 53 people were killed and over 500 injured.

After the Centre implemented the CAA on Monday, notifying the rules four years after the contentious law was passed, the Delhi Police, particularly in the northeast district, identified 43 hotspots and intensified patrols in those areas. These included Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Mustafabad, Bhajanpura, Khajoori Khas, and Seemapuri.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey emphasised the police's commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the district and highlighted the increased vigilance to maintain law and order.

"Police and paramilitary personnel are keeping a strict vigil to maintain law and order. We have identified 43 hotspots in northeast Delhi and night patrolling was comparatively high at these locations. The safety of every person in Delhi's northeast district is our responsibility," DCP Tirkey was quoted by PTI.

The Delhi Police's cyber unit is also monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of provocative content and rumours. Another officer stated that the Delhi Police has conducted at least 29 meetings with peace committee members so that people do not "fall for rumours".

An officer told PTI, that patrolling will be intensified in various parts of northeast Delhi with the arrival of additional paramilitary personnel on Tuesday. In southeast Delhi, paramilitary forces conducted flag marches, complemented by local police patrols on motorcycles.