Delhi violence: Death toll touches 9

The deceased include one policeman.

"Death toll raises to 9 as two more civilians succumb to injuries at GTB Hospital," Delhi Police source told IBNS.

Journalists of several news organizations were reportedly attacked during the clashes, media reports said.

Delhi is witnessing massive violence for the last three days over the new citizenship law that was passed by the Centre late last year.

The national capital witnessed violent protests over the new law in the past as well.

In the latest incidents, violent protests and clashes occurred between groups of people who were demonstrating for and against the new citizenship law.

Amid reports of fresh clashes, schools remained shut in parts of Delhi as tension gripped the national capital over the recent episodes of violence.

At least five metro stations in the city are currently not operating.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited few hospitals in Delhi to meet the injured people.

"I am appealing people to take the path of peace. Violence will not do any good to any person," Kejriwal told reporters.

After visiting the hospitals, Kejriwal tweeted: "Met with victims of violence being treated at the GTB Hospital and Max Hospital. Hindus, Muslims, policemen - none have escaped unhurt.. this madness must end immediately."

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah earlier in the day chaired a meeting on the prevailing situation in Delhi.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal and the Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal were also present, along with senior officials and representatives of political parties.

Shah appreciated the participation of all parties and urged them to exercise restraint, rise above party lines to tackle the situation.

He said that the borders of Delhi with the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have been under surveillance for the last three days and Delhi Police has been taking adequate steps, like checks and other precautionary measures in view of the upcoming Supreme Court hearing relating to issues pertaining to Citizenship Law.

Shah said that additional forces may be deployed in affected areas, as per requirement. He urged political parties to avoid provocative speeches and statements which could flare up the situation.

The Home Minister noted that the professional assessment is that the violence in the capital has been spontaneous. He expressed confidence in Delhi Police and said that the force has shown maximum restraint to get the situation under control.

Shah appealed to all to desist from spreading rumours, and said that political parties should cooperate with police to quell these rumours and dispel fear among public.

He also appealed to the public at large and media to communicate responsibly and avoid spreading rumours.

He asked the Police Commissioner of Delhi to have senior police officers present in Police Control Rooms so that rumours can be dispelled as quickly as possible.

Shah spoke of the need to re-activate local peace committees and said that those committees should include representatives of all sections of society, religions and eminent local persons.

Shah urged political parties to ask their local representatives to hold meetings in sensitive areas and instructed senior police officers to visit vulnerable police stations at the earliest.

He added that special officers would be deployed in affected areas. Feedback on the issue has been taken from local representatives and incorporated for further course of action after discussions with Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi Police Commissioner.