Hundreds of people of minority community on Monday gathered at the Karbala ground in Jor Bagh area of south Delhi in what they claimed not to be a protest but a religious meeting to mark condolence for the death anniversary of Prophet’s daughter.
The situation was similar to how it was the last time at the Karbala ground. After the massive protest at disputed Karbala land at Jor Bagh on March 10, which had brought the Capital and NCR regions to a standstill as people wanting to enter the Capital to mark the protest. The Shias had declared to stage a massive protest on March 31. A court order prohibited protest in and around the disputed land.
The gathering was being addressed by the Maulana Kalve Jawad. Soon after the religious meeting, heavy stone pelting started from both ends and police fired a round of tear gas to disperse the protesters.
There was tension after those in the possession of the disputed land started raising a tin shed with the help the local police. Those protesting against the encroachment alleged that it was being done at the behest of the senior Congress leaders.
Bilal Husain, spokesperson for Anjuman-e-Haidri, said that on Sunday late night the people along with the police officials started putting up tins and further encroaching the area. “They had erected a ten feet tin shed as wall. We informed the police and the nursery men started pelting stones at us by hiding behind the police personnel. We have video graphic evidence of police opening fire and resorting to lathi charge. Several people were injured in the incident. The police officials are not even supporting us,” said Bilal.
On Sunday night around 11 protesters and 13 police men were injured in the clash.
Meanwhile, residents of the BK Dutt colony expressed their setback over the prevailing situation. “We can’t go to our office and have to sit at home. Neither can we park our cars outside the house. This situation and the land dispute has made our life hell,” bemoaned a resident of the area.