Home Ministry says no bullet was fired during Jamia protests, cites Delhi Police report

Delhi Police Monday said there was no firing or casualties in Jamia violence, and that it used 'maximum restraint, minimum force' despite being 'provoked' by protesters.

Policemen stand guard near Jamia Millia Islamia following the protests against Citizenship Amendment Act | PTI

New Delhi: No bullet was fired by police during violent protests against the amended Citizenship Act at Jamia Milia Islamia University on Sunday, Home Ministry officials said.

There have been allegations that police fired bullets on protesters during the agitation at Jamia.

The officials also said that 10 persons with criminal background have been detained in connection with the protests and more anti-social elements are being tracked.

“No bullet was fired by the Delhi Police during protests at Jamia. All 10 persons detained have criminal background. More anti-social elements are being tracked,” the officials said, citing a Delhi Police report.

Several vehicles, including buses, were burnt down and public properties destroyed during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which was passed by Parliament last week.

According to the Act, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

The Act says refugees of six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in India for five years, instead of 11 years earlier.