Shaheen bagh protest removed

The 1010 day long marathon protest at Shaheen bagh came to an end today as the authorities removed the protest amidst nationwide lockdown.

Cops reached the site of the protest – which had inspiredsimilar demonstrations across the country – at around 7 am and cleared thearea.

 "They were notclearing the protest site despite repeated persuasion. When they refused toclear up, they were removed forcefully at around 7:30 am," said anofficial, adding that large gatherings have been banned under Section 144 overCOVID-19.

Nine people, including six women and three men, have been detained. "The protest site would be cleaned up with the help of civic body," he added. Those protesting against CAA in other parts of the city – Jaffrabad (Northeast Delhi) and Turkman Gate (old Delhi) – were also removed this morning.

This comes two days after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwalannounced a lockdown in the city as a part of the imposition of countrywiderestrictions in fight against coronavirus. "Extraordinary times call forextraordinary measures," he had tweeted.