New Delhi: The death toll rose to 18 on Wednesday, with more than 180 other people injured, as rampaging rioters in northeast Delhi set fire to buildings, vehicles and factories.
According to the medical director of the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital Sunil Kumar, 18 people have died on Monday, and several others with bullet injuries brought to the hospital during the protests.
On the other hand, New Delhi police spokesman Anil Kumar talking to media said besides the deaths, at least 186 people including 56 police personnel and 130 protesters have been injured in the clashes.
READ MORE: Seven killed in protests over controversial new citizenship law in New Delhi
Fresh protests over a controversial citizenship law started at from Sunday and running battles between Hindus and Muslims, with rioters armed with stones, swords and even guns out in force.
Police on Tuesday imposed a ban on large gatherings in the area as the violence continued with reports of stone-pelting and more structures set ablaze.
Delhi CM: Situation is alarming. Police, despite all its efforts, is unable to control the situation & instill confidence. Army should be called in & curfew should be imposed in rest of affected areas immediately. I am writing to the Home Minister to this effect. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/x9eifxSX3T
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2020
The riots coincided with the visit of US President Donald Trump, who held two-sided meetings with his Indian president Narendra Modi in Delhi.
READ MORE: Protests erupt on US President Trump’s arrival in India
Global rights group Amnesty International tweeted that “political leaders in India who are fueling hatred and creating a violent environment by making hate speeches must be immediately held accountable”.
Eight people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the riots that broke out in the north-eastern part of New Delhi. Political leaders in #India who are fueling hatred and creating a violent environment by making hate speeches must be immediately held accountable.
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) February 25, 2020
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