Delhi: Heavy security in Uttam Nagar for Ram Navami procession after Holi violence
New Delhi, Mar 27 (PTI): Elaborate security arrangements are in place in Uttam Nagar, where a procession is being taken out on Ram Navami, with the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces deployed to maintain law and order in the wake of the Holi clashes, officials said.
Police said that the security arrangements were strengthened in view of tensions that had flared earlier this month following a violent clash between two neighbouring families in JJ Colony on the night of Holi, which resulted in the death of an individual.
The 'Shobha Yatra' procession, which is witnessing significant participation, is being closely monitored by senior police officers, with multiple layers of security along the designated route to ensure that the event passes off peacefully.
"Adequate force has been deployed at sensitive points, intersections and densely populated stretches in Uttam Nagar, while barricades have been installed to regulate traffic and crowd movement. Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams have been stationed at strategic locations to respond swiftly to any untoward situation," a senior police officer said.
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The officer further informed that continuous patrolling is being carried out in the area, and surveillance is being maintained through CCTV cameras and drones to keep a close watch on the movement of people during the procession.
Uttam Nagar has been tense since the death of 26-year-old Tarun, who sustained fatal injuries after a dispute broke out between the families. According to police, the altercation was triggered after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun's family accidentally splashed on a woman from the neighbouring family.
The two families, who had known each other for nearly five decades, had a history of disputes over issues such as parking and garbage disposal, which escalated into a violent confrontation. Following the incident, tensions gripped the locality, and an angry mob vandalised several vehicles and set some on fire, prompting heavy deployment of police to restore order.
So far, the police has arrested and apprehended 16 people, including two minors, in connection with the case. The accused have been booked under relevant sections, including murder and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
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In view of the prevailing sensitivities, authorities have taken additional precautionary measures during the Ram Navami procession. "We have deployed sufficient force, including RAF personnel, and senior officers are present on the ground. We are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the procession is conducted peacefully," a senior police officer said.
Local police have also been engaging with community members and organisers of the procession to ensure coordination and prevent any rumours or misinformation from spreading. Traffic diversions have been put in place in parts of Uttam Nagar, and commuters have been advised to avoid certain routes during the procession hours.
The situation in the area remains peaceful, with security agencies maintaining a strong vigil to ensure communal harmony and prevent any disruption during the possession, police added.
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Punjab CM Mann meets President Murmu, seeks cancellation of membership of 6 RS members
Chandigarh (PTI): Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu, demanding the termination of the membership of six Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP and also pressed for the introduction of a constitutional provision allowing for the recall of members.
Accompanied by party MLAs and ministers, Mann visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.
This meeting followed a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on April 24, when seven of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs -- Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney and Swati Maliwal -- quit and merged with the BJP, alleging that the party had strayed from its principles, values and core morals. Six of the seven MPs who left AAP hailed from Punjab.
After he met with the President, Mann addressed the media here, describing the departure of the seven MPs as a "murder" of the Constitution. He stated, "Seven MPs merging with another party is completely unconstitutional. I spoke to Rashtrapati ji in detail."
Mann pointed out that he told the President that the BJP holds only two MLA seats (in Punjab), yet now has six MPs in the Rajya Sabha. He questioned, "How can this be possible? Isn't it a mockery of the Constitution?
"If they are such revolutionaries at heart, then they should have resigned from their six seats. The AAP could have sent someone else," Mann said, taking a swipe at them.
He emphasised the need for a recall provision in the Constitution, referencing MP Raghav Chadha's previous demands for such a measure when members fail to meet public expectations.
"Have you lived up to the expectations of the people?" Mann challenged the MPs during his statement.
Mann also presented a letter to the President, signed by all AAP MLAs. He differentiated between the terms 'elected' and 'selected,' stating, "They were 'selected.' Therefore, their membership should be cancelled."
The President assured Mann that she would consult constitutional experts before responding.
Earlier in the day, Mann, along with party MLAs, departed for Delhi from Chandigarh.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Mann affirmed that all AAP MLAs stand united with the party. "Only I have been given time for the meeting," Mann said.
"The President is the guardian of the Constitution. She is the constitutional head of the country," he added.
Later in a post on X in Hindi, Mann said, "Our struggle to protect Punjab's rights and interests continues. Today, along with all AAP MLAs, I have left to discuss Punjab's burning issues and present the state's strong voice before the President.
As your public servant, our government remains fully committed to Punjab's prosperity and the safeguarding of the rights of every section of society."
The MLAs and ministers gathered at the chief minister's residence in the morning before heading to Delhi, carrying placards that read 'Punjab Mann De Naal' and 'Punjab's Traitors.'
The legislators left for Delhi in buses.
Mann had previously sought an appointment with the President to meet with party MLAs and demand the "recall" of the Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP. However, only Mann was given a time slot for the meeting.
