Delhi Burns, Modi Government Turns Blind Eye Amid Donald Trump’s Visit
The protests against and for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) took yet another ugly turn in Delhi, on Monday, as protestors came face to face with each other and the police that failed to control the situation. After the riots surged that took nine lives and more than 150 people were injured, paramilitary forces were deployed in the city that continues to burn.
Amid the chaos, Narendra Modi and his aides maintain a horrible silence on the communal violence as US President Donald Trump visits the country on a two-day visit.
“Just been told BJP spokespersons have been asked not to speak on Delhi violence while Trump visit is on. For weeks, a few motormouths defended the ‘goli maaro’ rhetoric bec of vote bank politics. Now images of street violence have embarrassed the leadership. Hope lesson learnt,” tweeted journalist Rajdeep Sardesai.
Just been told BJP spokespersons have been asked not to speak on Delhi violence while Trump visit is on. For weeks, a few motormouths defended the ‘goli maaro’ rhetoric bec of vote bank politics. Now images of street violence have embarrassed the leadership. Hope lesson learnt.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 25, 2020
We have been sitting on an edge of a volcano for months: shrill communal rhetoric, street protests, an angry, minority, a partisan state, criminal gangs, toxic propaganda. Lava has burst forth.: desperately need bridge builders before it it too late! #DelhiViolence
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 25, 2020
The same was echoed by many other journalists who criticized the government for earlier inciting violence in the name of religion and then turning a blind eye as people lose their lives.
“Two of my colleagues […] were badly beaten by a mob just now in Delhi, they only stopped beating them after realising they are ‘our people’. Absolutely despicable”, tweeted another Indian journalist.
Two of my colleagues @arvindgunasekar and @saurabhshukla_s were badly beaten by a mob just now in Delhi, they only stopped beating them after realising they are “our people- Hindus”. Absolutely despicable.
— Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) February 25, 2020
A Muslim journalist too took to Twitter to narrate how his religion has now started to become an obstacle in his reporting.
“Never before in my ten year-long career has my Muslim identity come in the way of reporting. A group of men and women, armed with sticks, on Moujpur Chowk threatened me. You are a Muslim, do not hold us responsible for what may happen. This [was] when cops outnumbered locals. Very tense situation here,” tweeted the journalist.
Never before in ten-yr long career has my Muslim identity come in way of reporting. A gp of men and women, armed with sticks, on Moujpur Chwk threatened me, "Aap Mohameden hain, phir humse mat kehna". This when cops outnumbered locals. Very tense situation here. #DelhiBurning pic.twitter.com/52MMIsM7K6
— Gulam Jeelani (@jeelanikash) February 25, 2020
Many took to Twitter to bring attention to the ongoing violence in the capital city as #DelhiRiots, #DelhiBurning, #DelhiViolence were the top trends for India on Tuesday.
The violence in Delhi is taking a distinct communal turn. We are choosing to not show some of the videos in interest of not inflamming the situation further. But there is urgent need for this situation to brought under control. #Delhi
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) February 24, 2020
So many of my friends were willing to ignore 2002 in favour of development. So many of my friends were willing to accept anything better than the rudderless dynastic rule. The one time I wish I never would have had to say “I told you so…” #DelhiRiots #DelhiBurning 💔
— Nikkhil Advani (@nikkhiladvani) February 25, 2020
Very volatile in Yamuna Vihar. We’ve seen mobs of men carrying sticks and stones. There’s been arson. We were being stopped from filming. You can someone yelling that at the end of video. #DelhiBurning #DelhiViolence pic.twitter.com/5QrRnsieM5
— Yogita Limaye (@yogital) February 25, 2020
