Delhi violence: Curfew call in Indian capital after 20 killed in clashes

Nearly 200 others were wounded in the first two days of violence.

Riot police patrolled the streets of India's capital on Wednesday and the city's leader called for a curfew following battles between Hindus and Muslims that claimed at least 20 lives.
The two days of unrest - which has seen clashes between mobs armed with swords and guns - is the worst sectarian violence seen in Delhi in decades.
The clashes come amid worsening religious tensions following a citizenship law that critics say is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist agenda.
Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, called Wednesday for the army to be deployed and for a curfew to be imposed over flashpoint northeastern districts.
"Police, despite all its efforts, (are) unable to control situation and instil confidence," Kejriwal tweeted on Wednesday morning.
"Army (should) be called in and curfew imposed."
The clashes began on Monday between people supporting and opposing the citizenship law, then descended into pitched battles between the mobs.
Twenty people died and nearly 200 others were wounded in the first two days of violence, the director of the hospital where people were taken, told AFP on Wednesday. ixty people had suffered gunshot wounds, according to the director, Sunil Kumar.
The area is home to mostly poorer economic migrants living in many shanty neighbourhoods, and some fled on Wednesday ahead of more expected clashes.
 Students protest near Arvind Kejriwal's home
Delhi Police today dispersed the crowd gathered outside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence, who assembled there late last evening and were demanding action against perpetrators of the violence in Delhi. The crowd mainly consisted of members of the Alumni Association of Jamia Millia Islamia (AAJMI) and Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC).
Police personnel were seen dispersing protestors who gathered outside Mr Kejriwal's residence at around midnight.
Alumni Association of Jamia Millia Islamia (AAJMI) and Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC) had organised a demonstration outside Kejriwal''s residence. They all gheraoed Kejriwal''s residence.
Appealing to Mr Kejriwal to take action against the violence in affected areas in North-East Delhi, protestors who called themselves concerned citizens, asked the chief minister to personally visit affected areas with local MLAs and organise peace marches to de-escalate tensions.
They also urged the chief minister to inform citizens about steps taken by the Delhi government and allow all rescue operations to reach hospitals from the affected areas.
They further appealed to identify perpetrators of violence and take action against them.
Late on Tuesday Kejriwal called an urgent meeting at his residence, of MLAs and officials of the violence-hit areas of North East Delhi, to take stock of the situation and issued instructions to take all necessary steps to restore peace.
Flash protests in Hyderabad
Flash protests were held at few places here on Tuesday night, condemning the violence in Delhi and the alleged complicity of Delhi Police.
Candle-light protests were held at Toli Chowki, Seven Tombs Road, King Koti and Yakutpura.

Protestors including women raised slogans against Delhi Police, condemning their brutality. They were also carrying placards demanding withdrawal of the CAA, NPR and NRC.

However, police foiled a candle-light march on Neklace Road abutting Hussain Sagar lake in the heart of the city.

Some activists had called for the march to condemn Delhi Police's brutality and right-wing violence. Large number of policemen were deployed in the area and the road was deserted even before 9pm.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar had appealed to citizens to remain alert and united to see that no mischief maker tries to take advantage of the disturbing news from Delhi. "Our Patrol cars and Bike patrols are your closest friend. Don't allow rumor mongering. Take pride in our beautiful city Hyderabad," he said.

He also urged the national media not to show the disturbing visuals of Delhi riots. "It disturbs the mind of common peace loving people. These are testing times for all of us and we all have to work together and ensure that mischief makers do not take advantage," he said.
 

• India