Bhim Army chief, Chandrashekhar Azad, led thousands of protesters in Jama Masjid in Delhi, who shouted slogans and waved flags in the area against the newly amended Citizenship act. The ban has been dramatically defied amid heavy police presence in the area. Chandrashekhar Azad, who surfaced inside the gates of the historic mosque just after Friday prayers, was seen holding up a copy of the constitution. Later, he was detained by the Delhi Police.
Permission was denied by Delhi Police to Chandrashekhar Azad’s protest march against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar. He tweeted that he would make it to the area anyway – “Please ignore the rumors of my arrest. I am reaching Jama Masjid.”
“Jai Bhim” slogans were raised from the steps of Jama Masjid as Azad and his supporters stood on the steps. Scores of policemen, prepared to push back against the protests, remained outside the gates, keeping a cautious eye on the rapidly swelling crowds. Chandrashekhar Azad read out the preamble of the constitution, the crowd chanting alongside. Protesters inside the mosque complex then spilled over to the road, shouting slogans and wearing black bands.
Jama Masjid’s narrow streets in the old quarters of Delhi rapidly filled with crowds carrying flags and placards. The police had been prepared for potential trouble but appeared hopelessly outnumbered. Police personnel were seen engaging with religious leaders to try and get the situation within control.