Internet remains suspended in Aligarh

ALIGARH: Two days after the violent protests between anti-CAA protestors and police, normalcy returned to Aligarh on Tuesday. All markets were opened and people came out of their houses and thronged markets to buy commodities. Public transport services also resumed, bringing relief to commuters. However, heavy police forces were deployed at different places and internet services remained suspended as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, district administration and the management of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) came at loggerheads over the alleged role of AMU students in instigating the violence on February 23.

Aligarh district magistrate (DM) Chandra Bhushan Singh claimed to have sent a list of AMU students who were involved in instigating violence and expressed displeasure over inaction of the AMU authorities. “AMU students were involved in inciting violence in the city, but AMU has not taken any action against them,” the DM said.

The violence erupted in many parts of Aligarh on February 23 after a skirmish occurred between women protesting against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the local police. Around a dozen people were injured in the violence.

According to initial investigation by the police, female students, who were part of the antiCAA protest, instigated the women. Police also alleged the involvement other staff of the AMU.

However, AMU officials claimed that they had been cordial with the district administration. “The university administration has always cooperated with the local administration. We will take action against students if we get any evidence of their involvement in inciting violence,” said Abdul Hamid, registrar, AMU.

Earlier, AMU was also in the spotlight during violence that broke out during the anti-CAA protest in December last year. Several AMU students were booked for the incident. Over 2000 people, including a councillor, have been booked in 12 FIR lodged in connection with the February 23 violence.

Aligarh SSP Muniraj G said, “We will soon begin the process of identification and arrest of the accused involved in the violence. We are currently focusing on ensuring law and order in the district. The probe into the FIRs registered is going on. Besides, officials are also holding meetings with religious heads.”