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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-cm-yogi-adtiyanath-expresses-grief-over-death-of-unnao-rape-victim-266767">Yogi Adityanath</a> on Tuesday held a video conference with the state officials and directed them to keep an eye on people spreading fake news about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019.

The video conference was attended by all the ADGs, Commissioners, IGs, DIGs, DMs, and SSPs.

The Chief Minister also directed the officials to reach out to religious preachers, maulvis and other organisations and made them understand that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protest-entry-exit-at-jamia-millia-islamia-janpath-stations-closed-says-delhi-metro-268303">CAA 2019</a> is not discriminatory to any religion, caste or community.

"The people who are fanning violence, they are not students, they are devils. A thorough investigation should be conducted against those who are tampering with the laws," he added. The statement from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister came just after protests erupted over the CAA 2019 in Rampur and Prayagraj.

Police have imposed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aarey-forest-protests-section-144-imposed-police-detain-over-60-activists-253941">section 144</a> in Rampur after more than 200 people took to the streets to protest against the Act.

The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-is-india-protesting-citizenship-amendment-act-268599/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday held a video conference with the state officials and directed them to keep an eye on people spreading fake news about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday held a video conference with the state officials and directed them to keep an eye on people spreading fake news about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. The video conference was attended by all the ADGs, Commissioners, IGs, DIGs, DMs, and SSPs. The Chief Minister also directed the officials to reach out to religious preachers, maulvis and other organisations and made them understand that CAA 2019 is not discriminatory to any religion, caste or community. "The people who are fanning violence, they are not students, they are devils. A thorough investigation should be conducted against those who are tampering with the laws," he added. The statement from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister came just after protests erupted over the CAA 2019 in Rampur and Prayagraj. Police have imposed section 144 in Rampur after more than 200 people took to the streets to protest against the Act. The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Citizenship Amendment Act: Yogi Adityanath directs officials to keep an eye on people spreading fake news

By Mallika Singh&nbsp;

The Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India especially in the regions of North East, West Bengal and now New Delhi and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community.

Four people have died in Assam, over 3000 people have been detained, 190 arrested and 136 cases have been registered over the last week of violent protests that have rocked the state.&nbsp;

"Four people have been killed in police action, unfortunately. The situation had become such that the police had to fire to save more people and property," said Assam's Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta.&nbsp;

"We had detained over 3,000 protestors. Preventive detentions are also taking place. We allowed the youngsters to leave after a counselling session," Mahanta added.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13.&nbsp;

Earlier the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha after a heated nine hour-long debate, on December 11, 2019, with 125 votes to 105, as it was previously introduced and passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament on December 9, 2019, with 311-80 votes. &nbsp;

The fundamental criticism being faced is that the new Act specifically targets Muslims, making it in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality.

The Citizenship Act is also being linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which is currently under implementation in Assam and according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to be prepared for every state in the country.

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act?

The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014.

It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship.

Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b).

The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government.

Who are Illegal migrants?&nbsp;

Illegal migrants are defined as those foreigners who enter the country without valid travel documentation or who enter with valid documentation but exceed their permitted period of stay.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The new Citizenship Act implies that the mentioned communities will not be deported or imprisoned for being in India without valid documentation under The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

&nbsp;What is NRC?

The National Register of Citizens is a list of Indian citizens living in the state of Assam.&nbsp;

The first NRC was compiled in 1951 due to the issues of "outsiders" that the state has experienced on the accord of vast population exchange post-partition and for being a border state of India.&nbsp;

On August 31, 2019, under the supervision of the Indian Supreme Court, Assam had released the updated version of the list seeking to preserve the state’s ethnic uniqueness.

How is CAA different from NRC?

The CAA is driven by religion as it seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities, while the NRC seeks to detect any illegal migrants, irrespective of their religion, who moved to India post-midnight March 24, 1971, and eventually deport them to their native country.

Another major difference between the two is that the NRC is currently only confined to the state of Assam, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated claims that the NRC will be implemented nationwide.

The CAA is applicable nationally, despite the claimed intentions of Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab to block the Act in their respective states.

Will the CAA have an impact on NRC?

The updated version of the list has reportedly left out 19 lakh applicants who can approach tribunals formed at the tehsil level and the Assam government will provide required financial assistance to file plea to those in need, Amit Shah claimed in parliament on November 20, 2019.

By Mallika Singh The Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India especially in the regions of North East, West Bengal and now New Delhi and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community.

By Mallika Singh The Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India especially in the regions of North East, West Bengal and now New Delhi and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community. Four people have died in Assam, over 3000 people have been detained, 190 arrested and 136 cases have been registered over the last week of violent protests that have rocked the state. "Four people have been killed in police action, unfortunately. The situation had become such that the police had to fire to save more people and property," said Assam's Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta. "We had detained over 3,000 protestors. Preventive detentions are also taking place. We allowed the youngsters to leave after a counselling session," Mahanta added. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13. Earlier the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha after a heated nine hour-long debate, on December 11, 2019, with 125 votes to 105, as it was previously introduced and passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament on December 9, 2019, with 311-80 votes. The fundamental criticism being faced is that the new Act specifically targets Muslims, making it in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality. The Citizenship Act is also being linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which is currently under implementation in Assam and according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to be prepared for every state in the country. What is the Citizenship Amendment Act? The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014. It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship. Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b). The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government. Who are Illegal migrants? Illegal migrants are defined as those foreigners who enter the country without valid travel documentation or who enter with valid documentation but exceed their permitted period of stay. The new Citizenship Act implies that the mentioned communities will not be deported or imprisoned for being in India without valid documentation under The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. What is NRC? The National Register of Citizens is a list of Indian citizens living in the state of Assam. The first NRC was compiled in 1951 due to the issues of "outsiders" that the state has experienced on the accord of vast population exchange post-partition and for being a border state of India. On August 31, 2019, under the supervision of the Indian Supreme Court, Assam had released the updated version of the list seeking to preserve the state’s ethnic uniqueness. How is CAA different from NRC? The CAA is driven by religion as it seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities, while the NRC seeks to detect any illegal migrants, irrespective of their religion, who moved to India post-midnight March 24, 1971, and eventually deport them to their native country. Another major difference between the two is that the NRC is currently only confined to the state of Assam, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated claims that the NRC will be implemented nationwide. The CAA is applicable nationally, despite the claimed intentions of Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab to block the Act in their respective states. Will the CAA have an impact on NRC? The updated version of the list has reportedly left out 19 lakh applicants who can approach tribunals formed at the tehsil level and the Assam government will provide required financial assistance to file plea to those in need, Amit Shah claimed in parliament on November 20, 2019.

What is Citizenship Amendment Act and how is it different from NRC?

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to urgently list a matter related to the amended citizenship law and said that it cannot assume jurisdiction for whatever is happening across the country.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to urgently list a matter related to the amended citizenship law and said that it cannot assume jurisdiction for whatever is happening across the country. "We are not a trial court. We cannot assume jurisdiction for whatever is happening all over the country. The situations may be different, facts and circumstances may be different," a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde told senior advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who mentioned the matter before it for urgent hearing. Chief Justice S A Bobde said that he should have moved the High Court first. Upadhyay contended before the apex court that, in the name of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, public properties, including trains and fire tenders were destroyed in West Bengal`s Murshidabad. He sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the case. The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Another petition was mentioned before the top court relating to the Jamia Millia Islamia violence. It sought an investigation to be conducted under the supervision of LG. (With inputs from ANI)

Citizenship Amendment Act: Chief Justice Bobde asks petitioner to approach High Court

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-put-on-hold-local-body-polls-in-9-newly-formed-districts-in-tamil-nadu-266599">DMK</a>) on Tuesday filed a petition in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-protests-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-after-violence-stops-268456">Supreme Court</a> against the recently-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

DMK President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-sujiths-demise-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-urges-public-to-cover-borewells-announces-solatium-of-rs-20-lakhs-258693">MK Stalin</a> also protested against the amended citizenship law in Kanchipuram today.

Protests were also held by party leaders Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran in Chennai Collectorate and Chepauk, respectively.

DMK chief MK Stalin even termed the law as a direct assault on secularism, equality, and fraternity and slammed the AIADMK saying its stand is "completely exposed for its decision to support this immoral legislation".

DMK party leaders and cadre have been protesting against the citizenship law ever since it was passed in both Houses of the Parliament and received the assent of the President.

Protests have also erupted across the country over the new law.

The act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-protests-against-citizenship-amendment-act-the-story-so-far-268597/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the recently-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. DMK President MK Stalin also protested against the amended citizenship law in Kanchipuram today.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the recently-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. DMK President MK Stalin also protested against the amended citizenship law in Kanchipuram today. Protests were also held by party leaders Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran in Chennai Collectorate and Chepauk, respectively. DMK chief MK Stalin even termed the law as a direct assault on secularism, equality, and fraternity and slammed the AIADMK saying its stand is "completely exposed for its decision to support this immoral legislation". DMK party leaders and cadre have been protesting against the citizenship law ever since it was passed in both Houses of the Parliament and received the assent of the President. Protests have also erupted across the country over the new law. The act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

DMK files petition in Supreme Court against Citizenship (Amendment) Act

Supreme Court junks plea on Telangana encounter deaths, asks petioner to approach Telangana High Court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday junked a petition relating to the custodial death of four persons accused of raping and murdering a veterinary doctor in Telangana, earlier this month, reported news agency ANI.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde asked activist K Sajaya to approach Telangana High Court with the petition for collection of evidence concerning custodial death.

The veterinarian was gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Telangana`s Shamshabad on November 27. Her charred body was recovered a day later.A few days later, the accused -- Mohammed Arif, Naveen, Shiva, and Chennakeshavulu -- were killed in a police encounter.

Following the encounter, a batch of petitions was filed in the top court. Subsequently, the court had last week ordered setting up of a three-member inquiry commission to probe the encounter case.&nbsp;

Supreme Court junks plea on Telangana encounter deaths, asks petioner to approach Telangana High Court The Supreme Court on Tuesday junked a petition relating to the custodial death of four persons accused of raping and murdering a veterinary doctor in Telangana, earlier this month, reported news agency ANI.

Supreme Court junks plea on Telangana encounter deaths, asks petioner to approach Telangana High Court The Supreme Court on Tuesday junked a petition relating to the custodial death of four persons accused of raping and murdering a veterinary doctor in Telangana, earlier this month, reported news agency ANI. A Bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde asked activist K Sajaya to approach Telangana High Court with the petition for collection of evidence concerning custodial death. The veterinarian was gang-raped and killed by four people before they burnt her body in Telangana`s Shamshabad on November 27. Her charred body was recovered a day later.A few days later, the accused -- Mohammed Arif, Naveen, Shiva, and Chennakeshavulu -- were killed in a police encounter. Following the encounter, a batch of petitions was filed in the top court. Subsequently, the court had last week ordered setting up of a three-member inquiry commission to probe the encounter case.

Supreme Court junks plea on Telangana encounter deaths, asks petitioner to approach Telangana High Court

Former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-worried-over-slow-gdp-growth-pranab-mukherjee-267778">Pranab Mukherjee</a> pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/remembering-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-first-death-anniversary-243317">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi.

Last time the strength of Lok Sabha was re-examined in 1977 which was based on the 1971 census that put the total population at 55 crores. And currently, the population has increased to 1.37 billion, approximately double the number mentioned in the 1971 census.

There is a need to remove the hold in the delimitation exercise. “It should be ideally increased to 1,000,” Mukherjee added.

Delimitation provides equal representation to equal segments of a population. It aims to a fair division of geographical areas so that only one party doesn't have all the advantages over the elections.

The process has been undergone modification four times ( 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002) under the Acts of 1952. No delimitation took place after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.

During Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule in 1976, the constitution was suspended delimitation until 2001. The upper limit on the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies was supposed to be lifted after the 2001 Census but another amendment postponed this until 2026. It was justified on the ground that a uniform growth rate of the population would be achieved by 2026.

“This has resulted in the fact that the number of voters per Lok Sabha constituency as per the 2011 census, has risen to more than 16 lakh,” Mukherjee said. He noted that there has been a need on increasing the number of seats in Parliament and state assemblies till 2026.

He even favoured Vajpayee as a consensus-builder who worked to bring everyone along and noted that people may have given strong majorities to different parties since 1952 but over 50 per cent of them have never voted for one party.

"A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable government. The lack of a popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian government. That is the message and essence of our parliamentary democracy," Mukherjee said.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
"A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable Government.The lack of popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian Government.That is the message &amp; essence of our Parliamentary Democracy." 
Delivered the 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> Memorial Lecture today. <a href="https://t.co/qUfqZmyecx">pic.twitter.com/qUfqZmyecx</a>
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) <a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee/status/1206585951838883840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Former President Pranab Mukherjee pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee pitched a plan for raising the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 1000 while delivering the second Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture organised by the India Foundation in Delhi. Last time the strength of Lok Sabha was re-examined in 1977 which was based on the 1971 census that put the total population at 55 crores. And currently, the population has increased to 1.37 billion, approximately double the number mentioned in the 1971 census. There is a need to remove the hold in the delimitation exercise. “It should be ideally increased to 1,000,” Mukherjee added. Delimitation provides equal representation to equal segments of a population. It aims to a fair division of geographical areas so that only one party doesn't have all the advantages over the elections. The process has been undergone modification four times ( 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002) under the Acts of 1952. No delimitation took place after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses. During Indira Gandhi’s Emergency rule in 1976, the constitution was suspended delimitation until 2001. The upper limit on the number of seats in Lok Sabha and Assemblies was supposed to be lifted after the 2001 Census but another amendment postponed this until 2026. It was justified on the ground that a uniform growth rate of the population would be achieved by 2026. “This has resulted in the fact that the number of voters per Lok Sabha constituency as per the 2011 census, has risen to more than 16 lakh,” Mukherjee said. He noted that there has been a need on increasing the number of seats in Parliament and state assemblies till 2026. He even favoured Vajpayee as a consensus-builder who worked to bring everyone along and noted that people may have given strong majorities to different parties since 1952 but over 50 per cent of them have never voted for one party. "A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable government. The lack of a popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian government. That is the message and essence of our parliamentary democracy," Mukherjee said. "A numerical majority in elections gives you the right to make a stable Government.The lack of popular majority forbids you from a majoritarian Government.That is the message & essence of our Parliamentary Democracy." Delivered the 2nd #AtalBihariVajpayee Memorial Lecture today. pic.twitter.com/qUfqZmyecx — Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) December 16, 2019 ×

Lok Sabha should have 1000 seats: Pranab Mukherjee

The Election Commission of India has sought the response of Jharkhand`s Chief Electoral Officer on Union Minister Smriti Irani`s complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "rape in India" remark, news agency ANI reported.

Rahul Gandhi made the remarks during an election rally in Godda, Jharkhand on December 12.

Irani, on Friday, approached the election body over Gandhi`s remark and sought strong action against him for allegedly using crimes against women as a "political tool".

Addressing a poll rally in Jharkhand on Thursday, Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched `Make in India` but nowadays all one can see is `Rape in India`.

&nbsp;In Uttar Pradesh Narendra Modi`s MLA raped a woman, then she met with an accident but Narendra Modi did not utter a word," Rahul had said.&nbsp;

Voting for the fourth phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections began earlier today. The fifth and the last phase of voting will take place on December 20 and the counting of votes will be held on December 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India has sought the response of Jharkhand`s Chief Electoral Officer on Union Minister Smriti Irani`s complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "rape in India" remark, news agency ANI reported.

The Election Commission of India has sought the response of Jharkhand`s Chief Electoral Officer on Union Minister Smriti Irani`s complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "rape in India" remark, news agency ANI reported. Rahul Gandhi made the remarks during an election rally in Godda, Jharkhand on December 12. Irani, on Friday, approached the election body over Gandhi`s remark and sought strong action against him for allegedly using crimes against women as a "political tool". Addressing a poll rally in Jharkhand on Thursday, Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched `Make in India` but nowadays all one can see is `Rape in India`. In Uttar Pradesh Narendra Modi`s MLA raped a woman, then she met with an accident but Narendra Modi did not utter a word," Rahul had said. Voting for the fourth phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections began earlier today. The fifth and the last phase of voting will take place on December 20 and the counting of votes will be held on December 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Election Commission seeks response from Jharkhand CEO over Rahul's 'rape in India' remark

U.N. Agency Calls India's Citizenship Amendment Act 'Fundamentally Discriminatory'. #Gravitas #CAA #NRC #India #Delhi

Gravitas: Global Reaction To Protests Against Citizenship Amendment Act

Implications Of Protests Against The Controversial Citizenship Amendment Act Irresponsible & volatile political comments got us here in the first place. Now the political class is vitiating the atmosphere further & violence is on the rise.

WION Edit: When Violence Begins, The Protests Lose The Plot

Many Reasons For The Protests Against Citizenship Amendment Act The trigger for the protests across India is the Citizenship Amendment Act. But there are many reasons; 1. The question of constitutional validity of the #CAA. 2. The issue of immigration in North Eastern states. This report explores.

Gravitas: Why Is India Protesting Citizenship Amendment Act

Summarising The Protests Across India Against The Government's Citizenship Amendment Act. #CAA #Gravitas #India #Delhi

Gravitas: Protests Against Citizenship Amendment Act: The Story So Far

Is Citizen Amendment Bill + NRC A Political Ploy? #Gravitas #India #CAA #NRC #India #Delhi #NorthEastIndia

Gravitas: Politics Of The 'sensitive' Constitutional Amendment Act

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before.

"We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the Shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on 15th December 2019. Our Mission in Abuja has taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities, as also with the authorities of the neighbouring countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement.

"The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents," the spokesperson added.

The ministry has noted that this is the third such incident this year in the region, affecting Indian nationals.

In another incident, 18 Indians were on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel that was hijacked by pirates while it was transiting through Nigeria according to a global agency tracking maritime developments in the region earlier this month.

According to ARX Maritime, the vessel was attacked by pirates on December 2 at 19:20 (UTC).

The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping.

The 19 seafarers comprised 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national.

The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy.

The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before. "We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the Shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on 15th December 2019. Our Mission in Abuja has taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities, as also with the authorities of the neighbouring countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement. "The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents," the spokesperson added. The ministry has noted that this is the third such incident this year in the region, affecting Indian nationals. In another incident, 18 Indians were on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel that was hijacked by pirates while it was transiting through Nigeria according to a global agency tracking maritime developments in the region earlier this month. According to ARX Maritime, the vessel was attacked by pirates on December 2 at 19:20 (UTC). The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping. The 19 seafarers comprised 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national. The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy. The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.

India shares 'concerns' with Nigeria over kidnapping of 20 Indians aboard commercial vessel

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the later spearhead a rally against Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the later spearhead a rally against Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019. Dhankhar termed her protest and rally as `unconstitutional` act. ".@MamataOfficial. I am extremely anguished that CM and Ministers are to spearhead rally against CAA, law of the land. This is unconstitutional. I call upon CM to desist from this unconstitutional and inflammatory act at this juncture and devote to retrieve the grim situation," tweeted Dhankar. The governor also expressed his gratitude towards the section of society who have urged the protesters to shun violence. "Gratitude to Intellectuals, filmmakers, actors and stage artists who urged protestors to shun violence. Hope others in such a category would similarly come forward. We are constitutionally obliged to follow law of the land and as Governor enjoined to ensure it and am at it," he said in another tweet. Dhankhar had on Sunday prevailed upon the chief minister to withdraw advertisements stating that National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will not be implemented in the state. On Sunday, amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in several parts of West Bengal, internet services were suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure in some districts of West Bengal, sources said. The internet was suspended in some parts of the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24 Parganas ( Basirhat and Barasat subdivisions) and South 24 Parganas ( Baruipur and Canning subdivisions). The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his assent on November 12. (With inputs from ANI)

Mamata's rally against citizenship law 'unconstitutional', says West Bengal governor

Jamia Millia Islamia University students, who were detained following a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act, have been released from Kalkaji and New Friends Colony (NFC) police stations on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting Delhi Police.

Jamia Millia Islamia University students, who were detained following a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act, have been released from Kalkaji and New Friends Colony (NFC) police stations on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting Delhi Police. The midnight protests carried out by students in front of Delhi Police Headquarters was also called off by the students. "All students detained from Kalkaji and New Friends Colony have been released," said Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa. "Delhi police appealed the protesters to end their protest buses have also been arranged to drop the protestors. Injured students will also be released after treatment said Delhi Police in a statement," a statement released by the Delhi Police said. The students of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) had staged a protest at the police headquarters earlier on Sunday after the action by Delhi Police against students at Jamia University.

Protest against citizenship law: Detained Jamia university students released

As many as 15 Assembly constituencies are going to polls in the fourth phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections which began on Monday morning. The Assembly constituencies where polling is being held today include -- Madhupur, Deoghar, Bagodar, Jamua, Gandey, Giridih, Dumri, Bokaro, Chandankiyari, Sindri, Nirsa, Dhanbad, Jharia, Tundi and Baghmara.

As many as 15 Assembly constituencies are going to polls in the fourth phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections which began on Monday morning. The Assembly constituencies where polling is being held today include -- Madhupur, Deoghar, Bagodar, Jamua, Gandey, Giridih, Dumri, Bokaro, Chandankiyari, Sindri, Nirsa, Dhanbad, Jharia, Tundi and Baghmara. According to Election Commission, a total of 15 Assembly constituencies including from the districts of Deoghar, Giridih, Bokaro and Dhanbad are going to polls today. The third phase of polling took place on December 12 during which 17 Assembly constituencies covering 8 districts went to polls. The second phase and the first phase of polling for Jharkhand Legislative Assembly took place on December 7 and November 30 respectively. The fifth and the last phase of voting will take place on December 20. The votes will be counted on December 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Fourth phase of polling begins in Jharkhand for 15 Assembly seats

Violent protests against the newly enforced citizenship law continued to shake the North-East states and spread to West Bengal, Delhi and parts of southern India, with police resorting to shells of lathi and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Aligarh Muslim University has postponed examinations and announced a complete shutdown till January 5. The Jamia Millia Islamia University of Delhi has also canceled exams.

Anti- Citizenship Protests: Indian university campuses turn battlegrounds

Watch in WION Dispatch: SC to probe police action at JMI University. Watch this video as WION's Principle Diplomatic Siddhant Sibbal, WION's Correspondent Nishita & WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: SC to probe police action at JMI University

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain has lauded India-French ties and has said both countries are in all-weather partnership. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lenain said more pressure should be put on Pakistan so that it full fills its commitments.

WION: How do see the India-French ties?

Emmanuel Lenain: Relations are excellent. For years, we have a great level of trust, we have an all-weather partnership in good and bad times. This partnership has been embodied at the personal level between PM Modi and French President Marcon. You have seen great alchemy during PM Modi's France visit. We are going to take it further by reaching out to new sectors which are key to the development of our two countries like cyber, artificial intelligence and want to project in wider regional dimensions. The idea of Indo-Pacific that goes from maritime security to connectivity.&nbsp;

WION: Are you hopeful that Pakistan will fulfil its FATF commitments?

Emmanuel Lenain: My country and India have been a victim of terrorism. Financing is a key aspect in the fight against terrorism that is why France with like-minded countries decided to launch an initiative called "no money for terror".

India will host the next summit. Regarding FATF, my country and all countries decided in November that pressure should be exerted and Pakistan should meet its obligations and we have to review it&nbsp;in February and we shall see then.

WION: You have issued advisory regarding protest in the aftermath of passage of citizenship amendment bill. Some countries have made remarks, your take...

Emmanuel Lenain: I don't think it is apt for France to have a say in the domestic matter in India. India is a democracy and it has a rule of law. As I understand, when there are conflicting views on law, and when people challenge certain aspects and it is&nbsp;against the constitution, you can challenge it in front of the Supreme Court. It's not for any country to criticise. Obviously, we attach great importance to freedom of religious belief, however, it is a domestic issue.

WION: Are you hopefull EU-India FTA talks will resume next year?

Emmanuel Lenain: I hope our discussions can resume and we need to aim at an ambitious agreement otherwise there is no use to re-launch negotiations. Ambitious I mean, sectors should be covered. Ambitious regarding climate and environment.

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain has lauded India-French ties and has said both countries are in all-weather partnership. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lenain said more pressure should be put on Pakistan so that it full fills its commitments.

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain has lauded India-French ties and has said both countries are in all-weather partnership. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lenain said more pressure should be put on Pakistan so that it full fills its commitments. WION: How do see the India-French ties? Emmanuel Lenain: Relations are excellent. For years, we have a great level of trust, we have an all-weather partnership in good and bad times. This partnership has been embodied at the personal level between PM Modi and French President Marcon. You have seen great alchemy during PM Modi's France visit. We are going to take it further by reaching out to new sectors which are key to the development of our two countries like cyber, artificial intelligence and want to project in wider regional dimensions. The idea of Indo-Pacific that goes from maritime security to connectivity. WION: Are you hopeful that Pakistan will fulfil its FATF commitments? Emmanuel Lenain: My country and India have been a victim of terrorism. Financing is a key aspect in the fight against terrorism that is why France with like-minded countries decided to launch an initiative called "no money for terror". India will host the next summit. Regarding FATF, my country and all countries decided in November that pressure should be exerted and Pakistan should meet its obligations and we have to review it in February and we shall see then. WION: You have issued advisory regarding protest in the aftermath of passage of citizenship amendment bill. Some countries have made remarks, your take... Emmanuel Lenain: I don't think it is apt for France to have a say in the domestic matter in India. India is a democracy and it has a rule of law. As I understand, when there are conflicting views on law, and when people challenge certain aspects and it is against the constitution, you can challenge it in front of the Supreme Court. It's not for any country to criticise. Obviously, we attach great importance to freedom of religious belief, however, it is a domestic issue. WION: Are you hopefull EU-India FTA talks will resume next year? Emmanuel Lenain: I hope our discussions can resume and we need to aim at an ambitious agreement otherwise there is no use to re-launch negotiations. Ambitious I mean, sectors should be covered. Ambitious regarding climate and environment.

Pakistan needs to fulfill FATF commitment: French Envoy Emmanuel Lenain

The Apex Court will hear petitions over Citizenship Amendment Bill on December 18. #CAA #SupremeCourt

Anti-CAA protest: Apex court to hear petitions on December 18

Former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been convicted by Delhi's Tis Hazari court in the Unnao rape and kidnapping case.&nbsp;

The quantum of sentence&nbsp;to be pronounced tomorrow.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the victim was kidnapped and raped for nine days at different locations by three people in 2017.

&nbsp;The victim was legally a minor at the time of the incident.

The case came to light On April 8 when the victim and her family tried to immolate themselves outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s residence, alleging police inaction against the accused.&nbsp;

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Unnao rape &amp; kidnapping case: Quantum of sentence to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar to be pronounced tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/gMTNMBbOtP">https://t.co/gMTNMBbOtP</a>
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The case worsened when the victim’s father died in judicial custody on April 9.&nbsp;

A purported video of the girl's father before his death had gone viral in which he had alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLA's brother and others in the presence of police.

He died in hospital. However, the family cried foul alleging that he was murdered.

Faced with embarrassment, the BJP government in the state had recommended a CBI probe in April this year.

Sengar is a four-time MLA.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been convicted by Delhi's Tis Hazari court in the Unnao rape and kidnapping case. The quantum of sentence to be pronounced tomorrow.

Former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been convicted by Delhi's Tis Hazari court in the Unnao rape and kidnapping case. The quantum of sentence to be pronounced tomorrow. According to the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the victim was kidnapped and raped for nine days at different locations by three people in 2017. The victim was legally a minor at the time of the incident. The case came to light On April 8 when the victim and her family tried to immolate themselves outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s residence, alleging police inaction against the accused. Unnao rape & kidnapping case: Quantum of sentence to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar to be pronounced tomorrow. https://t.co/gMTNMBbOtP — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2019 × The case worsened when the victim’s father died in judicial custody on April 9. A purported video of the girl's father before his death had gone viral in which he had alleged that he was mercilessly beaten up, including with rifle butts, by the MLA's brother and others in the presence of police. He died in hospital. However, the family cried foul alleging that he was murdered. Faced with embarrassment, the BJP government in the state had recommended a CBI probe in April this year. Sengar is a four-time MLA.

Former BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar convicted in Unnao rape and kidnapping case

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted on the unrest and protests taking place in different Indian states since CAA came in existence. Citizenship Amendment Act continues to fuel public anger, Unrest continues among the whole country. Students of different states' Universities continues to protest against the CAA. #CAA

PM Modi uses twitter to react on the protest in India over CAA

In midst of the nationwide chorus against NRC and high-profile campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on national issues in Jharkhand, Congress continues to press on with its low-profile campaign in the state.

The low-key Congress campaign is focused on local issues and has avoided taking Modi-Shah combine on any of the polarising statements. Even senior Congress leaders who were roped in for campaign were asked to limit themselves to issues of the state. The best example was the press conference by former finance minister P Chidambaram, who spoke on the economy and then went on to address local issues. Sources in the Jharkhand Congress said that the state unit also did not invite controversial and controversy making leaders to ensure that attention is not diverted to non-issues.

Even the posters issued by the Jharkhand Congress are very different in design and content. The posters do not showcase central leadership of the party. It showcases the issues which the party has taken up in the state. Even the tagline, “AA RAHEE HAI CONGRESS” has been promoted without adding a face to it. This is very different from Gujarat and Karnataka campaigns where Rahul Gandhi was pitched as the face of the election.

A functionary closely associated with the election campaign told WION that the Jharkhand campaign took the cue from the Chhattisgarh elections where Congress swept the state. Chhattisgarh also witnessed a very low-key campaign unlike Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in 2018.

Congress has picked up the issue of land acquisition and promised to return the land to the tribal's under a new scheme. The campaign is also focused on the issue of malnourishment, death of children due to lack of food, women safety and unemployment. Congress has also taken special care not to get tripped by the Pathalgadi rebellion issue which led to largescale violence in the state.

Like Chhattisgarh, procurement price for rice and farmers' loan has been a prominent part of the election campaign. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel too was looped into the campaign by the Jharkhand Congress. Congress is a junior partner to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in the state. This time the Congress ensured that it settles seats even if it didn’t suit their interest in order to stitch the alliance. JMM is contesting in 43 seats, Congress 31 and RJD in 7 seats in the state.

Congress secured a mere 10.60 per cent of votes in 2014 assembly elections whereas the BJP secured 31.80 per cent of votes. Even in the Lok Sabha elections of 2014 and 2019, BJP secured 40.71 per cent and 51.61 per cent of votes.

The data shows that there was a dip of 10 per cent of votes immediately after the Lok Sabha elections even in 2014. Similarly, BJP’s vote share dipped in the Haryana assembly election in 2019. This has made small parties like JMM and Congress slightly confident. Though BJP remains the dominant party in Jharkhand, it does not have friends in the local set up. Congress, on the other hand, is heavily banking on 26 per cent of Adivasis and 14 per cent of Muslim votes for electoral success.

Though the BJP created a very successful non-tribal polarization in 2014, it failed to get a simple majority in the house of 81 in the state. BJP secured 37 seats in the election followed by 19 of JMM.

In 2014, BJP had contested 72 seats and now it is contesting 79 seats. Only support it can expect is from AJSU as it decided not to field a candidate against Sudesh Mehto. The last phase of polling is on December 20th and counting will take place on December 23rd.&nbsp;

An upset in Jharkhand after Maharashtra can act as a glue to bring the Opposition parties together once again to fight a dominant BJP nationally and in states.&nbsp;BJP apart from local issues is facing incumbency which flows from Chief Minister Raghubar Das himself. 
&nbsp;

In midst of the nationwide chorus against NRC and high-profile campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on national issues in Jharkhand, Congress continues to press on with its low-profile campaign in the state.

In midst of the nationwide chorus against NRC and high-profile campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on national issues in Jharkhand, Congress continues to press on with its low-profile campaign in the state. The low-key Congress campaign is focused on local issues and has avoided taking Modi-Shah combine on any of the polarising statements. Even senior Congress leaders who were roped in for campaign were asked to limit themselves to issues of the state. The best example was the press conference by former finance minister P Chidambaram, who spoke on the economy and then went on to address local issues. Sources in the Jharkhand Congress said that the state unit also did not invite controversial and controversy making leaders to ensure that attention is not diverted to non-issues. Even the posters issued by the Jharkhand Congress are very different in design and content. The posters do not showcase central leadership of the party. It showcases the issues which the party has taken up in the state. Even the tagline, “AA RAHEE HAI CONGRESS” has been promoted without adding a face to it. This is very different from Gujarat and Karnataka campaigns where Rahul Gandhi was pitched as the face of the election. A functionary closely associated with the election campaign told WION that the Jharkhand campaign took the cue from the Chhattisgarh elections where Congress swept the state. Chhattisgarh also witnessed a very low-key campaign unlike Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in 2018. Congress has picked up the issue of land acquisition and promised to return the land to the tribal's under a new scheme. The campaign is also focused on the issue of malnourishment, death of children due to lack of food, women safety and unemployment. Congress has also taken special care not to get tripped by the Pathalgadi rebellion issue which led to largescale violence in the state. Like Chhattisgarh, procurement price for rice and farmers' loan has been a prominent part of the election campaign. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel too was looped into the campaign by the Jharkhand Congress. Congress is a junior partner to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in the state. This time the Congress ensured that it settles seats even if it didn’t suit their interest in order to stitch the alliance. JMM is contesting in 43 seats, Congress 31 and RJD in 7 seats in the state. Congress secured a mere 10.60 per cent of votes in 2014 assembly elections whereas the BJP secured 31.80 per cent of votes. Even in the Lok Sabha elections of 2014 and 2019, BJP secured 40.71 per cent and 51.61 per cent of votes. The data shows that there was a dip of 10 per cent of votes immediately after the Lok Sabha elections even in 2014. Similarly, BJP’s vote share dipped in the Haryana assembly election in 2019. This has made small parties like JMM and Congress slightly confident. Though BJP remains the dominant party in Jharkhand, it does not have friends in the local set up. Congress, on the other hand, is heavily banking on 26 per cent of Adivasis and 14 per cent of Muslim votes for electoral success. Though the BJP created a very successful non-tribal polarization in 2014, it failed to get a simple majority in the house of 81 in the state. BJP secured 37 seats in the election followed by 19 of JMM. In 2014, BJP had contested 72 seats and now it is contesting 79 seats. Only support it can expect is from AJSU as it decided not to field a candidate against Sudesh Mehto. The last phase of polling is on December 20th and counting will take place on December 23rd. An upset in Jharkhand after Maharashtra can act as a glue to bring the Opposition parties together once again to fight a dominant BJP nationally and in states. BJP apart from local issues is facing incumbency which flows from Chief Minister Raghubar Das himself.

Congress applies Chhattisgarh model on Jharkhand

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/citizenship-amendment-bill-avoidable-controversy-267862">Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA)</a> several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar &amp; West Bengal)&nbsp;of Northeast Frontier Railway&nbsp;will remain cancelled on Monday.

The Chief Public Relations Officer, Eastern Railway, informed that the Shatabdi Express running from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, and the Shatabdi Express from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will remain cancelled today.

The Coromandal Express from Howrah to Chennai, which was scheduled to leave Howrah today, was also cancelled.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cab-aftermath-northeast-india-hit-by-protests-1-dead-and-3-injured-267855">Protests </a>erupted in several parts of the Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The Indian Army deployed 24 military columns in upper Assam and 12 military columns in lower Assam on Monday to control the situation.

The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/religious-persecution-violence-against-women-salient-features-of-pakistan-sindhi-american-activist-257729">Pakistan</a>, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-gives-nod-to-citizenship-amendment-bill-267991">assent </a>on November 12.

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar & West Bengal) of Northeast Frontier Railway will remain cancelled on Monday.

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar & West Bengal) of Northeast Frontier Railway will remain cancelled on Monday. The Chief Public Relations Officer, Eastern Railway, informed that the Shatabdi Express running from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, and the Shatabdi Express from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will remain cancelled today. The Coromandal Express from Howrah to Chennai, which was scheduled to leave Howrah today, was also cancelled. Protests erupted in several parts of the Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The Indian Army deployed 24 military columns in upper Assam and 12 military columns in lower Assam on Monday to control the situation. The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his assent on November 12.

Several trains cancelled in West Bengal following protests against CAA

The situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-richa-chadha-anubhav-sinha-other-bollywood-celebs-condemn-police-brutality-over-citizenship-law-268472">Assam</a> and other parts of North-East is improving fast and the Army would be back in their barracks in a day or two, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command said on Monday.

He also said that almost 24 Army columns were requisitioned in Upper Assam while 12 columns in lower Assam to aid and assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order.

Army Columns were deployed not only in Assam but also in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unhrc-concerned-over-citizenship-amendment-bill-protest-268261">Tripura</a> while some columns were kept on standby in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spiritual-leader-sri-sri-ravishankar-appeals-for-peace-in-northeast-india-268387"> Meghalaya</a>, he informed.

"In the past three days, there were columns not only deployed in Assam but also in Tripura. Some columns were kept on standby in the state of Meghalaya also, but they were ultimately not deployed," said Chauhan.

"Day before yesterday, they were almost 24 columns which were requisitioned in upper Assam, and about 12 in lower Assam but numbers were much lesser physically on the ground to carry out flag marches and the situation is improving fast and in a day or two Army will be back in their barracks," he said.

The region has been witnessing protests over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamatas-rally-against-citizenship-law-unconstitutional-says-west-bengal-governor-268443">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his assent on November 12.

The situation in Assam and other parts of North-East is improving fast and the Army would be back in their barracks in a day or two, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command said on Monday.

The situation in Assam and other parts of North-East is improving fast and the Army would be back in their barracks in a day or two, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command said on Monday. He also said that almost 24 Army columns were requisitioned in Upper Assam while 12 columns in lower Assam to aid and assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order. Army Columns were deployed not only in Assam but also in Tripura while some columns were kept on standby in Meghalaya, he informed. "In the past three days, there were columns not only deployed in Assam but also in Tripura. Some columns were kept on standby in the state of Meghalaya also, but they were ultimately not deployed," said Chauhan. "Day before yesterday, they were almost 24 columns which were requisitioned in upper Assam, and about 12 in lower Assam but numbers were much lesser physically on the ground to carry out flag marches and the situation is improving fast and in a day or two Army will be back in their barracks," he said. The region has been witnessing protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his assent on November 12.

Situation improving fast, Army will be back in barracks soon: Army Commander on northeast

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati on Monday urged the Central and state governments to conduct a high-level judicial inquiry into the incidents of violence in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-citizenship-protests-indian-university-campuses-turn-battlegrounds-268432">Aligarh Muslim University</a> (AMU) and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/detained-jamia-university-students-released-protest-outside-delhi-police-hqs-called-off-268435">Jamia Millia Islamia</a> (JMI) University.

Mayawati termed as "unfortunate" the violence in Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia against the amended Citizenship Act demanded action against the culprits.

"The protests against the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-richa-chadha-anubhav-sinha-other-bollywood-celebs-condemn-police-brutality-over-citizenship-law-268472">Citizenship (Amendment) Act </a>at AMU and JMI, where several innocent students and citizens, is very unfortunate, and the party expresses solidarity with the affected people," tweeted Mayawati.

She further stated that the Central and state government should conduct a high-level judicial inquiry in the incidents and action against the culprits of these acts should be taken at any cost.

"Otherwise, this fire will spread throughout the country, especially in educational institutions. I also appeal to all communities to maintain peace and order in the areas," she tweeted.

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3. वरना यह आग पूरे देश में व खासकर शिक्षण संस्थानों में भी काफी बुरी तरह से फैल सकती है। साथ ही, सभी साम्प्रदायों से यह भी अपील है वे शान्ति-व्यवस्था को बनाये रखें।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1206413119179968512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier today, the Delhi police had denied the allegation of police taking action against students of Jamia Millia Islamia, DCP, South-East Delhi, Chinmoy Biswal had said, "The campus is not compact. It is located on both sides of the road. While we were pushing the mob back, they were going to the university and then were throwing stones from inside. So we were checking those places."

The police official also claimed that no bullets were fired by the police during the course of controlling the protest.

The protesters had set <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-dtc-buses-torched-as-protests-against-citizenship-act-turn-violent-268397">DTC buses</a> on fire near the Bharat Nagar area after demonstrations turned violent. Protestors also vandalized a fire tender that was sent to douse the fire and injured two firemen inside the vehicle.

Damage to other buses and vehicles was also caused by the protestors. Police have, meanwhile, taken control of the situation and fire tenders have been rushed to control the damage caused in different areas.

Police also detained protesters from outside the Jamia Millia Islamia's gate number one.

Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa had earlier said that a section of the mob had turned violent and started pelting stones on the police and at houses due to which police were forced to resort to baton charge and firing tear gas shells.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati on Monday urged the Central and state governments to conduct a high-level judicial inquiry into the incidents of violence in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati on Monday urged the Central and state governments to conduct a high-level judicial inquiry into the incidents of violence in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University. Mayawati termed as "unfortunate" the violence in Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia against the amended Citizenship Act demanded action against the culprits. "The protests against the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act at AMU and JMI, where several innocent students and citizens, is very unfortunate, and the party expresses solidarity with the affected people," tweeted Mayawati. She further stated that the Central and state government should conduct a high-level judicial inquiry in the incidents and action against the culprits of these acts should be taken at any cost. "Otherwise, this fire will spread throughout the country, especially in educational institutions. I also appeal to all communities to maintain peace and order in the areas," she tweeted. 3. वरना यह आग पूरे देश में व खासकर शिक्षण संस्थानों में भी काफी बुरी तरह से फैल सकती है। साथ ही, सभी साम्प्रदायों से यह भी अपील है वे शान्ति-व्यवस्था को बनाये रखें। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) December 16, 2019 × Earlier today, the Delhi police had denied the allegation of police taking action against students of Jamia Millia Islamia, DCP, South-East Delhi, Chinmoy Biswal had said, "The campus is not compact. It is located on both sides of the road. While we were pushing the mob back, they were going to the university and then were throwing stones from inside. So we were checking those places." The police official also claimed that no bullets were fired by the police during the course of controlling the protest. The protesters had set DTC buses on fire near the Bharat Nagar area after demonstrations turned violent. Protestors also vandalized a fire tender that was sent to douse the fire and injured two firemen inside the vehicle. Damage to other buses and vehicles was also caused by the protestors. Police have, meanwhile, taken control of the situation and fire tenders have been rushed to control the damage caused in different areas. Police also detained protesters from outside the Jamia Millia Islamia's gate number one. Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa had earlier said that a section of the mob had turned violent and started pelting stones on the police and at houses due to which police were forced to resort to baton charge and firing tear gas shells.

Mayawati says violence in Jamia, Aligarh university unfortunate, demands inquiry

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