New Delhi: Despite the alertness from police and administration, several cities in Uttar Pradesh observed violent protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Friday. The worse hit places are Kanpur, Behraich, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad, Meerut and Sambhal.
Thousands of people thronged to streets after offering Jumme Ki Namaz (prayers) in various parts of the state. Police tried to control the situation initially but it turned violent. Eight people were shot in Kanpur. They, however, are said to be out of danger.
People were seen shouting slogans, denouncing the newly-enacted law, pelting stones on police personnel and even torched several vehicles.
Protesters pelted stones at police in Firozabad, Gorakhpur, Bhadohi, Bahraich and Sambhal when they were stopped from taking out rallies after the Friday prayers. This happened when Section 144 was imposed in various parts of the state after a similar protest was observed yesterday in the state capital Lucknow.
Tight security measures were in force in Lucknow with deployment of armed police to ensure peace and tranquility during Friday prayers.
Though the state capital Lucknow and Aligarh remained largely peaceful, new areas were hit by violence. Demonstrators indulged in stone-pelting in several cities, forcing police to use canes and lob tear-gas shells to disperse the protesters.
Internet services remained suspended in several districts to check spread of rumours.