As Delhi Burns, 'Very Worried' Arvind Kejriwal Calls Emergency Meet, Appeals for Peace

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed for peace and communal harmony even fresh incidents of stone-pelting and arson were being reported from North-East Delhi on Tuesday morning. Kejriwal took to Twitter to inform about his plan of action. “Am v worried abt prevailing situation in certain parts of Del. All of us together shud make all efforts to restore peace in our city. I again urge everyone to shun violence Am meeting all MLAs (of all parties) of affected areas along wid senior officials in a while (sic),” Kejriwal said on micro-blogging site. A PTI report said that the meeting will take place at the chief minister's residence. The Supreme Court is likely to hear the matter.

Am v worried abt prevailing situation in certain parts of Del. All of us together shud make all efforts to restore peace in our city. I again urge everyone to shun violence

Am meeting all MLAs (of all parties) of affected areas along wid senior officials in a while

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 25, 2020

Vehicles were set ablaze in Majupur and Karawal Nagar area. Stone-pelting by masked men was also reported from parts of North-East Delhi. Teams of the Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force held flag march in the Brahmpuri area on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI said. According to the statement released by the Delhi Police, “the situation is very tense. We are continuously receiving calls related to incidents of violence from North-East Delhi. Commissioner of Police held a meeting at Seelampur DCP Office last night.” Th cops also gave details about the widespread incidents of arson. “We received total 45 fire calls since yesterday till 3 am today; 3 firemen got injured, 1 fire tender was set ablaze,” the statement added.

In a late-night development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held an emergency meet with senior police officials to access the situation. A head constable was among five people killed and at least 100 others, including several paramilitary and Delhi Police personnel, were injured in the violence. Meanwhile, Shahdara DCP Amit Sharma who was injured during clashes between two groups in Delhi's Gokulpuri yesterday, is now conscious at a hospital. He underwent a surgery last night and his CT Scan was done this morning. He is safe and out of danger.

Government sources said the violence in the national capital appears to have been "orchestrated" by some for publicity as it comes at a time when Trump is visiting the country. They said Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik was stationed at the police control room and closely monitoring the situation.

On Monday, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla told reporters the situation in the national capital was fully under control and sufficient forces were deployed on the ground. Officials said at least eight companies (100 personnel each) of central armed police were present on the ground, besides the Delhi Police.