After more than three days of violent clashes in Delhi, India, the country's prime minister, Narendra Modi, asked protesters to maintain “peace and brotherhood” in a tweet and social media users were furious because of his delayed reaction.
The Indian capital is currently facing violent clashes between those who are in agreement with the recently issued controversial Citizen (Amendment) Act and those against it.
As of now, at least 24 people have died and at least 200 injured in Delhi.
Addressing the Indian population, Modi tweeted on Wednesday: “Had an extensive review on the situation prevailing in various parts of Delhi. Police and other agencies are working on the ground to ensure peace and normalcy.”
“Peace and harmony are central to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Delhi to maintain peace and brotherhood at all times. It is important that there is calm and normalcy is restored at the earliest,” he added in a consecutive post.
Social media users question Modi
Netizens were not happy with Modi's response to the situation. Many took to their account to ask the premier why his response came days after the violence erupted.
One such user, @XyzTweeter, wrote: “Had the government acted two days back, perhaps we could have saved 21 people.”
Similarly, user @srivatsayb tweeted: “You are a few days late. But people's lives matter much more than politics, so hope that your appeal stops the violence. As PM, why don't you visit these riot hit areas, families of those dead and talk to community leaders so that peace sustains. Do the right thing at least once?”
User @RuchiraC also asked Modi to pay the violence-hit areas of Delhi: “Good morning, PM. These words mean nothing when there is no semblance of law and order in Delhi. Do more. Will you visit the affected areas, stand with the people, and instil some confidence? #DelhiRiots2020”
Earlier in the day, India’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, @ArvindKejriwal, tweeted about calling in the military to control the situation in Delhi: “I have been in touch with large number of people whole night. Situation alarming. Police, despite all its efforts, unable to control situation and instill confidence. Army should be called in and curfew imposed in rest of affected areas immediately. Am writing to Home Minister to this effect.”
The Supreme Court criticised Delhi Police for not taking enough action to control the riots. Currently, heavy security has been deployed in several areas of North-East Delhi to control the situation.
