Covid19 | Afghan Refugees
Delhi HC directs authorities to see Afghan protest gathering doesn't turn into 'super spreader' event
New Delhi/IBNS: The residents' group of South Delhi's Vasant Vihar has approached the Delhi High Court over an ongoing protest gathering in front of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR).
According to NDTV, the residents' group said "foreign nationals have gathered outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees at B Block in South Delhi's Vasant Vihar since August 15, including lanes and parks adjoining it and residents are facing difficulties due to this."
The Afghan nationals in India have been demonstrating in front of UNHCR's office demanding refugee status and resettlement cases to be resolved. They have been seeking better work opportunities in India after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan on August 15.
Advocate Hrishikesh Baruah, appearing for the residents' group, said the residents of the area are facing problems in commuting and the gathering is likely to turn into a super spreader event, as many protesters were also seen without masks.
Responding to the petition, Justice Rekha Palli directed the Centre, the Delhi government and the Delhi Police to work together and find ways to resolve the problem and to ensure that the protest gathering does not turn into a "super spreader of COVID-19".
The High Court also issued notices to the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Delhi government, Delhi Police, South Delhi Municipal Corporation and Delhi Jal Board on the petition by Vasant Vihar Welfare Association.
However, Ahmad Zhia Ghani, head of the Afghan community in India, told NDTV: "We are not creating any problems for anyone. We have been peacefully protesting here. We want our demands to be heard and we will not move from here till such time."
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