New Delhi:
In a bid to convey their message of peace and show their cooperation, protesters in Delhi's Jama Masjid area where protests against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) were being held offered roses to police officers on Friday. The beautiful gesture from the people opposing the CAA came a day after anti-citizenship law protesters offered roses to security personnel at the Jantar Mantar, saying police can baton charge them as much as they want, but their message is "love in return for hatred".
According to a senior police officer, the locals in the area told them that they want peace and will cooperate with the police. The roses were handed over to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Mandeep Singh Randhawa and his additional DCP. "People in Jama Masjid are cooperating with us and want peace. We are also working towards ensuring the same," Randhawa told reporters.
Led by lawyer and social activist Chandrashekhar 'Azad', the Bhim Army has called for a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the amended citizenship law for which police have denied permission. Despite the denial of permission by police, Delhi’s iconic Jama Masjid became epicentre of the massive anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests on Friday. Protesters were seen waving Tricolours and banners of Dr BR Ambedkar.
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Initial information suggests that in spite of Delhi Police denying permission to the Bhim Army, several of its workers gathered outside Delhi’s biggest mosque. Protesters were shouting slogans against the law and the government.
As precautionary measure, the Delhi Metro has already closed the entry and exit gates of Jama Masjid, Lal Qila and Chawri Bazar. Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa was also present at the spot to control and monitor the situation, he has been asking people gathered at Jama Masjid to peacefully disperse.
