For a day: A fortress called Jangpura

It was a five-kilometre fortress that was guarded by more than 2,500 police and paramilitary personnel. And only one thing played on their minds — security. HT reports.

It was a five-kilometre fortress that was guarded by more than 2,500 police and paramilitary personnel. And only one thing played on their minds — security.

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Police Presence

Two police personnel were on guard every 10 feet, making sure no untoward incident takes place in B Block in Jangpura on Friday where a strong crowd of 1,500 people converged. Twelve companies of reserve police force, RAF, and a few companies of ITBP were deployed.

"Everyone, starting from the local police to Rapid Action Force (RAF), was pressed into service. Even though many senior leaders also came to the spot, we managed to handle the situation properly," said a senior police officer.

But the government finally did allow people to offer prayers at the spot. There were some reports of violence in the evening in Jangpura but the police managed to disperse the crowd.

Earlier in the day, some 1,000 people offered prayers in front of the local police station claiming that the police were not allowing people at the site.

Spurts of Violence

North Delhi reported some violence during the day when the police stopped people from going towards Southwest Delhi. Buses bore the brunt of the anger as one air-conditioned and two non-air conditioned DTC buses and a Blueline bus were vandalised.

Mobs also pelted stones at the police when Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid was initially stopped from going to Jangpura between 1pm and 4pm.

Traffic Mayhem

Vehicular movement was affected in Nizamuddin and Jangpura area as well as in Daryaganj due to protests. People going to Nizamuddin railway station were the most troubled as all roads leading to the station were blocked. "No bus or autorickshaw is going that side. We do not have any other choice but to walk," said a Satender Ram Singh.

Semi-permanent structure in place

Jangpura MLA and parliamentary secretary to Delhi government Tarwinder Singh Marwah said, “It has been proved that the land belongs to the Waqf Board. The land owning agencies should immediately make corrections in their record."