Centre beefs up forces in Delhi as violence continues

The decision has been taken at a meeting chaired by union minister of home affairs Amit Shah to assess the prevailing situation in Delhi. The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal as also senior officials and representatives of political parties. 

The national capital has seen a third day of violence as the death toll from Monday's clashes went up to at least nine, including a policeman.

"Some of the people brought in had gunshot wounds," Dr Rajesh Kalra, additional medical superintendent at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, said of Monday's violence.

Shah said adequate forces have been deployed in affected areas and the situation is under control, even as he appealed to political parties to maintain restraint and rise above party lines.

He urged political parties to avoid provocative speeches and statements which could flare up the situation.

Shah appreciated the participation of all parties and urged them to exercise restraint, rise above party lines to tackle the situation.

Shah noted that the professional assessment is that the violence in the capital has been spontaneous. He expressed confidence in Delhi Police and said that the force has shown maximum restraint to get the situation under control.

Shah appealed to all to desist from spreading rumours, and said that political parties should cooperate with police to quell these rumours and dispel fear among the public. He also appealed to the public at large and media to communicate responsibly and avoid spreading rumours. He asked the Police Commissioner of Delhi to have senior police officers present in Police Control Rooms so that rumours can be dispelled as quickly as possible.

Shah also spoke of the need to re-activate local peace committees and said that those committees should include representatives of all sections of society, religions and eminent local persons. The home minister urged political parties to ask their local representatives to hold meetings in sensitive areas and instructed senior police officers to visit vulnerable police stations at the earliest. He added that special officers would be deployed in affected areas. Feedback on the issue has been taken from local representatives and incorporated for further course of action after discussions with Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi Police Commissioner.

Shah noted that the Delhi Police is a professional organisation and is adequately empowered to be able to decide on the amount of force needed to diffuse tensions where necessary. Those present in the meeting expressed grief on the death of Head Constable Ratan Lal, who was killed in action yesterday.