'Threat to our protest real': Shaheen Bagh protesters write to police, EC, MHA

Protesters at Shaheen Bagh on Sunday wrote to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Election Commission (EC), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) stating that the threat to their protest is 'real'.

The letter was written by the protesters, including 'Women of Shaheen Bagh', 'Forum of Citizen for Equal Rights', 'Citizen for Justice and Peace' and others.

"The threat to the protest at Shaheen Bagh is real. Threats have been openly made by men in powerful positions leading to at least three violent actions on the ground. Delhi Police are lawfully bound to train its eyes, ears and lathis on those who seek to violently disrupt this peaceful protest. We urge appropriate action to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters," the letter said.

"Peaceful protest at Shaheen Bagh are vulnerable from hate attacks, violent attacks and mob. This morning, full police strength has been deployed there. We urge, however, this police strength is geared towards violators of the law, mob and violent attackers and not peaceful protesters," it added.

The letter stated, "If any group wish to protest in favour of the government it is free to do so in any other part of Delhi, why Shaheen Bagh?"

"Since December 15, 2019, until today, Shaheen Bagh has held its ground peacefully. Women are simply telling the brute might of the state that they stand against the perpetrated attack on Jamia Millia Islamia. Instead of entering into any sort of dialogue or conversation with the protesters, the political bigwigs and authorities have tried to demonise this protest," it said.

The letter further said, "This brazen tendency has been particularly visible with the election campaign for upcoming Delhi elections. This is also likely to intensify in the coming weeks."

Protests have been going on at Shaheen Bagh since December 15 last year against the Citizenship Amendment Act due to which Kalindi Kunj road has been shut for traffic movement.

Earlier, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking appropriate directions to the police to open the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch contending that the road closure is causing huge inconvenience to people.