Rahul-Priyanka Gandhi was stopped while visiting the family of those killed in the violence

Meerut, Ta. December 24, 2019, Tuesday

There were fierce protests against the NRC and the CAA (Citizenship Improvement Act), though the protests later turned violent between police and protesters, killing more than 15 people. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi tried to meet the families of those who were killed, but they were prevented from doing so. He was told by the police to return and the dead were not allowed to visit the family.

Both Rahul and Priyanka were about to visit the family of the deceased in Meerut, though they were stopped before entering Meerut. Another Congress leader Pramod Tiwari along with him was also stopped. After which Rahul Gandhi said that when we asked the police the reason for stopping, we did not give any correct answer. However, a statement issued by the police said that the situation in Meerut was in turmoil and so 144 have been implemented there.

The police claim that we had clearly told Rahul Gandhi and the leaders who were to come to Meerut that the situation in Meerut is in turmoil now and after going there, they will be responsible for the situation if the atmosphere gets worse. Although the police claimed that they were returning in their own way, we did not prevent them from going anywhere, they can go to the families of the deceased if they wish and we have no objection to that.

While giving information on this, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari said, "We have been told by the police in writing that we will not let you go to Meerut." We were told that after three days you would be able to get the dead to the family but not now. After which we had to return. It is noteworthy that Priyanka Gandhi also said that many of the people killed are extremely poor and some are even younger. We will go to help their families in this situation.