Citizenship Act: 'Situation under control,' says Delhi police after protests turn violent in Delhi's Seelampur

The situation is under control in Delhi's Seelampur area, Police said on Tuesday after protests over Citizenship turned violent resulting in police using tear gas. 

"Situation is under control in Seelampur. We are monitoring the situation. We are taking CCTV footage from areas where any incident is taking place. Video recording is also being done. None of the people, involved in such incidents, will be spared."

An angry mob clashed with police in Seelampur as they were holding protest against the new Citizenship Act. According to reports, the protestors vandalised two public transport buses, some bikes and pelted stones at police.

To control the situation, the police fired tear gas shells. Vehicular movement on the 66-feet road which connects Seelampur with Jafrabad has also been restricted.

During the clashes, some police personnel were also injured, Delhi police Joint Commissioner said.

"No bullet has been fired. Only tear gas shells used. The situation is under control now. Some police personnel are injured. 2 public transport buses, 1 Rapid Action Force bus and some bikes damaged during the protest," The Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police  Alok Kumar said.

The latest Seelampur clash comes amid the ongoing protests across the country over the newly enacted Citizenship Act.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. 

On Sunday, clashes between police and protestors erupted in Delhi's Jamia university which drew strong criticism over the police using force on university students.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for peace as he said "No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence." 

"I make an appeal to all the citizens of Delhi to maintain peace. No form of violence is acceptable in a civilised society. Nothing can be gained by violence. We should put forth our opinion peacefully, " he said.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor also appealed people to not get involved in any kind of violence and urged people to" immediately inform Delhi Police about violent elements."

"Don't get involved in any kind of violence and immediately inform Delhi Police about violent elements. Violence is not only illegal but also inhuman. Express your concerns through peaceful democratic means."