Protesters go berserk in UP, 1 dead

TNS & Agencies

Lucknow, December 19

Anti-citizenship law protesters went berserk in Lucknow on Thursday, hurling stones, damaging police outposts and setting ablaze vehicles mainly in the Old City areas of the Uttar Pradesh capital, forcing police to use tear-gas shells to control the situation.

A protester, Wakil Ahmad, reportedly died of gunshot wounds. The peaceful protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) turned violent in several places in Lucknow as the police used tear gas and batons and even fired bullets after vehicles parked outside a police post were set ablaze. At least 20 motorcycles, 10 cars, three buses and four media OB vans near Parivartan chowk in the Hazratganj area were set ablaze during the protests.

DGP OP Singh said the police had to use tear gas shells to control the situation in Madeyganj in the Old Lucknow where around 20 persons had been taken into custody.  Blaming  the Opposition for instigating violence, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath threatened of strict action against the protesters. He has called a meeting of senior officers. SSP Lucknow Kalanidhi Naithani and other officers had a tough time controlling the huge crowds which spilled on the roads in Old Lucknow. The Lucknow Metro was closed down to prevent the protesters’ movement. Yet thousands of people, mainly youths were out on the streets.

Authorities suspended mobile internet services in Lucknow till December 21 noon. Internet services were also suspended in at least three districts — Sambhal, Saharanpur and Aligarh.