Maoist Slogans Emerge at Delhi Air Pollution Protest: Violence Erupts at India Gate Demonstration

The Delhi Police have assured action against those who raised the Maoist slogans.

New Delhi:

Posters and slogans supporting Madvi Hidma - a top Maoist leader who was killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh earlier this month - appeared at Sunday's violent protest at Delhi's India Gate against the deteriorating air pollution in the national capital. A group of demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe" (Long Live Madvi Hidma).

Protesters against Air Pollution in Delhi suddenly started raising slogans in support of Indian Naxalite Hidma; says "Long live Comrade Hidma"Delhi's air quality hit severe levels Sunday, with AQI around 400, prompting hybrid school classes and health alerts for vulnerable

Shortly before the demonstration escalated into violence, an individual was observed holding a poster stating: "From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on".

#WATCH | Delhi: A group of protesters holds a protest at India Gate over air pollution in Delhi-NCR. They were later removed from the spot by police personnel

The Delhi Police have committed to taking action against those who raised the Maoist slogans.

"Those who raised such slogans at India Gate will be identified, and legal action will be taken against them. We will file a case against them," the police stated.

Hidma, who was responsible for at least 26 armed attacks against security forces and civilians, was killed in an encounter on November 18. Born in 1981 in Sukma, Hidma rose to command a battalion of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army and became the youngest member of the Central Committee, the primary decision-making body of the CPI Maoist. He was the sole tribal member from the Bastar region on the central committee. Hidma carried a bounty of Rs 50 lakh. Hidma is known for his involvement in several major Maoist attacks, including the 2010 attack in Dantewada that resulted in the deaths of 76 CRPF personnel and the 2013 ambush in Jhiram Ghati that killed 27 people, including prominent Congress leaders. He also played a significant role in the 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush in which 22 security personnel lost their lives.

Protest against Delhi air pollution

A substantial crowd of citizens gathered at Delhi's India Gate on Sunday evening to protest against the worsening air quality in the national capital. However, the demonstration rapidly deteriorated into violence and disorder after some protesters allegedly attacked police personnel with pepper spray while being removed from the location.

According to officials, three to four police personnel suffered injuries and are receiving treatment at the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.

"Some of the protesters had entered the C-hexagon and attempted to cross the barricades established to restrict movement. We tried to explain to them that numerous ambulances and medical personnel were caught behind them and required emergency access, but they became very agitated. They refused and broke through the barricade. When our teams were attempting to remove them, some of the protesters attacked police personnel using chilli spray," an official explained.

Police reported that 15 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.

A case has also been registered under sections related to obstructing government work, they added.