Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol.&nbsp;

Khan said that the government should have at least taken his approval or informed him before moving the top court. He added that he got to know about Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's move only through media reports.&nbsp;

"This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-passes-resolution-seeking-withdrawal-of-caa-271267">Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA</a>

"I have no issue with them going to the Supreme Court but they should have informed me first. I, being a constitutional head came to know about it through newspapers. Clearly, I am not just a rubber stamp," he added.&nbsp;

This comes after the Kerala government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against the lew citizenship law which seeks to grant&nbsp;citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Kerala government, in its petition, stated that the act violates "Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution of India" and is violative of the basic structure - the principle of secularism as well.

The state Assembly had previously passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the citizenship law. Chief Minister Vijayan had also written to counterparts in 11 states to consider passing a similar resolution against the CAA.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described the state government's move to go to the Supreme Court over Citizenship Amendment Act as a 'breach' of protocol. Khan said that the government should have at least taken his approval or informed him before moving the top court. He added that he got to know about Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's move only through media reports. "This is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy. I will look into it whether the state government can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan told reporters. Also read: Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA "I have no issue with them going to the Supreme Court but they should have informed me first. I, being a constitutional head came to know about it through newspapers. Clearly, I am not just a rubber stamp," he added. This comes after the Kerala government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against the lew citizenship law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Kerala government, in its petition, stated that the act violates "Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution of India" and is violative of the basic structure - the principle of secularism as well. The state Assembly had previously passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the citizenship law. Chief Minister Vijayan had also written to counterparts in 11 states to consider passing a similar resolution against the CAA. (With inputs from ANI)

Breach of protocol: Kerala Governor fumes after state government moves Supreme Court over CAA

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protest-entry-exit-at-jamia-millia-islamia-janpath-stations-closed-says-delhi-metro-268303">Jamia Millia Islamia</a> Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar on Tuesday met Ministry of Human Resource Development (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnusu-urges-mhrd-to-remove-vice-chancellor-to-solve-university-crisis-263531">MHRD</a>) Secretary Amit Khare and briefed him about the students protest outside her office on Monday.

Akhtar requested the ministry to initiate an inquiry into the police action in the university library.

Students entered the JMI campus and protested outside the VC's office demanding an FIR against Delhi police for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-report-sought-by-mha-from-delhi-police-over-jamia-nagar-violence-268477">December 15</a>, 2019 incident of "police brutality" in the university library.

Students had also demanded rescheduling of exams and security for students.

The Vice-Chancellor had on Monday, announced that the exam dates of the varsity will be rescheduled and assured students that security on the campus has been increased.

On December 15 clashes had erupted between the Delhi Police and Jamia students after a protest against the newly-amended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-playing-political-games-over-citizenship-amendment-act-says-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273683">Citizenship law</a> turned violent.

Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar on Tuesday met Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Secretary Amit Khare and briefed him about the students protest outside her office on Monday.

Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar on Tuesday met Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Secretary Amit Khare and briefed him about the students protest outside her office on Monday. Akhtar requested the ministry to initiate an inquiry into the police action in the university library. Students entered the JMI campus and protested outside the VC's office demanding an FIR against Delhi police for the December 15, 2019 incident of "police brutality" in the university library. Students had also demanded rescheduling of exams and security for students. The Vice-Chancellor had on Monday, announced that the exam dates of the varsity will be rescheduled and assured students that security on the campus has been increased. On December 15 clashes had erupted between the Delhi Police and Jamia students after a protest against the newly-amended Citizenship law turned violent.

Jamia Millia VC meets MHRD Secretary, seeks inquiry into police action on campus

At a time when Citizenship Amendment ACT (CAA), is debated in the country, not much attention has been paid to its external implications. The Act grants citizenship to all religious minority migrants except Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have come to India before December 31, 2014.

With a good section of students, youths and Muslim community continue to hold protest against CAA for more than a month, the issue has begun to draw international attention. The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has already called the ACT as ‘fundamentally discriminatory’. US Congress has also raised its concern over the discriminatory nature of the ACT. Within the Muslim world, a sharp reaction came from Malaysia and Turkey to the extent of condemning the Act, while Bangladesh refused to send their Foreign Minister and Finance Minister as a mark of protest. With the foreign media continuously focusing on the issue, there is a disquiet emerging within the Arab world with against the Modi government.

One needs to recall here that when the Modi government abolished the Article 370 and changed the status of Jammu and Kashmir from full statehood to Union Territory, the world did not pay heed to Pakistan’s outcry on the subject matter and considered the issue as ‘internal matter’ of the government of India. However, the goodwill that PM Modi has generated in the last five years in the global arena is losing its momentum. One of the clear indicators of this trend is convening of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC ) over Kashmir by Saudi Arabia. This is not a good sign for Indian foreign policy as this would give a fillip to the internationalisation of Kashmir issue and would also hinder the Indian efforts of isolating Pakistan.

Another ominous sign is that both Saudi Arabia and UAE has slowed down the promises of investment in India. Both are important trade partners to India and the major sources of hydrocarbon products for the Indian market. Along with remittances, the Gulf is a critical element for India’s economic stability and growth trajectory. From different sources, it appears that Saudi Arabia has planned to invest 100 billion dollars in many sectors of Indian economy including petrochemicals refinery, infrastructure and mining among others. Oil giant Saudi Aramco has two major investment plans in the country: strategic investment in the greenfield petroleum refinery in Maharashtra and a $15 billion worth 20 per cent stake acquisition in the refining and petrochemicals business of Reliance Industries (RIL).&nbsp;

When the Indian economy is already in bad shape and possibly heading towards recession, any negative fall&nbsp;in terms of India’s relationship with West Asia would have a crippling effect on its economy. It is, therefore, imperative that either the Modi government undertake a course correction to CAA or effectively reach out to the outside world&nbsp;with facts and convincing arguments that CAA is not discriminatory and is not intended to deprive the Indian Muslims of its citizenship rights. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

At a time when Citizenship Amendment ACT (CAA), is debated in the country, not much attention has been paid to its external implications. The Act grants citizenship to all religious minority migrants except Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have come to India before December 31, 2014.

At a time when Citizenship Amendment ACT (CAA), is debated in the country, not much attention has been paid to its external implications. The Act grants citizenship to all religious minority migrants except Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have come to India before December 31, 2014. With a good section of students, youths and Muslim community continue to hold protest against CAA for more than a month, the issue has begun to draw international attention. The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has already called the ACT as ‘fundamentally discriminatory’. US Congress has also raised its concern over the discriminatory nature of the ACT. Within the Muslim world, a sharp reaction came from Malaysia and Turkey to the extent of condemning the Act, while Bangladesh refused to send their Foreign Minister and Finance Minister as a mark of protest. With the foreign media continuously focusing on the issue, there is a disquiet emerging within the Arab world with against the Modi government. One needs to recall here that when the Modi government abolished the Article 370 and changed the status of Jammu and Kashmir from full statehood to Union Territory, the world did not pay heed to Pakistan’s outcry on the subject matter and considered the issue as ‘internal matter’ of the government of India. However, the goodwill that PM Modi has generated in the last five years in the global arena is losing its momentum. One of the clear indicators of this trend is convening of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC ) over Kashmir by Saudi Arabia. This is not a good sign for Indian foreign policy as this would give a fillip to the internationalisation of Kashmir issue and would also hinder the Indian efforts of isolating Pakistan. Another ominous sign is that both Saudi Arabia and UAE has slowed down the promises of investment in India. Both are important trade partners to India and the major sources of hydrocarbon products for the Indian market. Along with remittances, the Gulf is a critical element for India’s economic stability and growth trajectory. From different sources, it appears that Saudi Arabia has planned to invest 100 billion dollars in many sectors of Indian economy including petrochemicals refinery, infrastructure and mining among others. Oil giant Saudi Aramco has two major investment plans in the country: strategic investment in the greenfield petroleum refinery in Maharashtra and a $15 billion worth 20 per cent stake acquisition in the refining and petrochemicals business of Reliance Industries (RIL). When the Indian economy is already in bad shape and possibly heading towards recession, any negative fall in terms of India’s relationship with West Asia would have a crippling effect on its economy. It is, therefore, imperative that either the Modi government undertake a course correction to CAA or effectively reach out to the outside world with facts and convincing arguments that CAA is not discriminatory and is not intended to deprive the Indian Muslims of its citizenship rights. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Analysing global response to India's Citizenship Amendment ACT

India's new citizenship law has divided public opinion in the country. Students across India are up in arms against the law. Even as the government refuses to budge.

Microsoft's Indian-born chief executive officer Satya Nadella has also expressed his views on the law.

During a Microsoft event in Manhattan, Nadella said he was saddened by the new law.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-raises-concern-over-caa-274178/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said that "I think what is happening is sad, primarily as someone who grew up there. I think it's just bad. If anything, I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the CEO of Infosys. That should be the aspiration."&nbsp;

Nadella is one of the first big corporate voices to speak up against India's new citizenship law.

Opponents of the law have slammed it for excluding Muslims from obtaining citizenship on the grounds of religious persecution.

Nadella was quick to point out that he was not against any country protecting its borders or regulating immigration.

But he said that the manner in which immigrants and minorities are treated is what matters.

Since his comments became public, both Nadella and Microsoft have been trending on Indian twitter.

Several users on twitter criticised him for his comment.

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What ‘new citizenship act’, could you elaborate <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satyanadella</a>? And who has stopped Bangladeshis from applying for immigration through proper channels? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA</a> is about making it easy for persecuted Indic minorities to get citizenship. A simple google search could have told you that. <a href="https://t.co/P9kLYP47Vi">https://t.co/P9kLYP47Vi</a>
— Shefali Vaidya (@ShefVaidya) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShefVaidya/status/1216763570433622019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Prominent Indian historian Ramachandra Guha lauded Nadella for taking a stance against caa. And asked Indian corporate bigwigs to do the same.

<img alt="Ramchandra Guha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a470e1cd-a253-4c2f-bf3c-c0d36a2b8162" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ramchandra.JPG" />

But a few hours later, Microsoft issued a statement from its CEO.

"Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds. I’m shaped by my Indian heritage, growing up in a multicultural India and my immigrant experience in the United States. My hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up or lead a multinational corporation benefitting Indian society and the economy at large," the statement said.

India's new citizenship law has divided public opinion in the country. Students across India are up in arms against the law. Even as the government refuses to budge.

India's new citizenship law has divided public opinion in the country. Students across India are up in arms against the law. Even as the government refuses to budge. Microsoft's Indian-born chief executive officer Satya Nadella has also expressed his views on the law. During a Microsoft event in Manhattan, Nadella said he was saddened by the new law. He said that "I think what is happening is sad, primarily as someone who grew up there. I think it's just bad. If anything, I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India or becomes the CEO of Infosys. That should be the aspiration." Nadella is one of the first big corporate voices to speak up against India's new citizenship law. Opponents of the law have slammed it for excluding Muslims from obtaining citizenship on the grounds of religious persecution. Nadella was quick to point out that he was not against any country protecting its borders or regulating immigration. But he said that the manner in which immigrants and minorities are treated is what matters. Since his comments became public, both Nadella and Microsoft have been trending on Indian twitter. Several users on twitter criticised him for his comment. What ‘new citizenship act’, could you elaborate @satyanadella? And who has stopped Bangladeshis from applying for immigration through proper channels? #CAA is about making it easy for persecuted Indic minorities to get citizenship. A simple google search could have told you that. https://t.co/P9kLYP47Vi — Shefali Vaidya (@ShefVaidya) January 13, 2020 × Prominent Indian historian Ramachandra Guha lauded Nadella for taking a stance against caa. And asked Indian corporate bigwigs to do the same. But a few hours later, Microsoft issued a statement from its CEO. "Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds. I’m shaped by my Indian heritage, growing up in a multicultural India and my immigrant experience in the United States. My hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up or lead a multinational corporation benefitting Indian society and the economy at large," the statement said.

Twitter war erupts after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella calls Citizenship Amendment Act 'sad'

Congress, on Monday, called for&nbsp;the opposition parties for a&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;to discuss the political dynamics and current situation of the country which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-look-up-you-will-find-cctvs-on-every-lane-sisodia-to-shah-272797">Aam Aadmi Party</a>, Bahujan Samaj Party and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-congress-supremo-mamata-banerjee-to-boycott-opposition-meet-in-delhi-273257">Trinamool Congress</a> are not likely to attend.&nbsp;

Discussions will be held on several issues including the amended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-playing-political-games-over-citizenship-amendment-act-says-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273683">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA), National Population Register (NPR), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the violence in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-jamia-students-need-our-support-says-cong-leader-shashi-tharoor-273821">Jawaharlal Nehru University</a> (JNU) during the meeting scheduled to be held in Parliament annexe at 2 pm. 
 
Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Aam Aadmi Party will not be taking part in the meeting.

Citing "betrayal" by Congress in Rajasthan, BSP chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-to-mayawati-she-must-visit-rajasthan-to-meet-kota-victimss-families-272134">Mayawati</a> on Monday said that her party will not attend the meeting of opposition parties, scheduled to take place later in the day.

"As is known, despite BSP supporting Congress government in Rajasthan from outside, they broke our MLAs for a second time and inducted them in their own party, which is a complete betrayal," Mayawati said in a tweet.

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3. वैसे भी बीएसपी CAA/NRC आदि के विरोध में है। केन्द्र सरकार से पुनः अपील है कि वह इस विभाजनकारी व असंवैधानिक कानून को वापिस ले। साथ ही, JNU व अन्य शिक्षण संस्थानों में भी छात्रों का राजनीतिकरण करना यह अति-दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण। 3/3
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1216558471656529920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Under such circumstances, BSP attending today's Opposition meeting called by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hemant-soren-in-delhi-to-discuss-cabinet-expansion-with-congress-leaders-273822">Congress</a> will be demoralising for people of the party in Rajasthan. So, BSP will not take part in this meeting," she added.

Stressing that her party opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she said, "Once again, I appeal to the Central government to take back this divisive and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-priyanka-instigated-riots-by-supporting-anti-caa-drive-home-minister-amit-shah-272323">unconstitutional law</a>." 
 
In December last year, Opposition leaders had met President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/declaration-of-amaravathi-as-capital-was-unconstitutional-ysrcp-mla-to-president-kovind-272733">Ram Nath Kovind</a> and lodged their protest over police action against students over the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

Congress, on Monday, called for the opposition parties for a meeting to discuss the political dynamics and current situation of the country which Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Trinamool Congress are not likely to attend.

Congress, on Monday, called for the opposition parties for a meeting to discuss the political dynamics and current situation of the country which Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Trinamool Congress are not likely to attend. Discussions will be held on several issues including the amended Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Population Register (NPR), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during the meeting scheduled to be held in Parliament annexe at 2 pm. Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Aam Aadmi Party will not be taking part in the meeting. Citing "betrayal" by Congress in Rajasthan, BSP chief Mayawati on Monday said that her party will not attend the meeting of opposition parties, scheduled to take place later in the day. "As is known, despite BSP supporting Congress government in Rajasthan from outside, they broke our MLAs for a second time and inducted them in their own party, which is a complete betrayal," Mayawati said in a tweet. 3. वैसे भी बीएसपी CAA/NRC आदि के विरोध में है। केन्द्र सरकार से पुनः अपील है कि वह इस विभाजनकारी व असंवैधानिक कानून को वापिस ले। साथ ही, JNU व अन्य शिक्षण संस्थानों में भी छात्रों का राजनीतिकरण करना यह अति-दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण। 3/3 — Mayawati (@Mayawati) January 13, 2020 × "Under such circumstances, BSP attending today's Opposition meeting called by Congress will be demoralising for people of the party in Rajasthan. So, BSP will not take part in this meeting," she added. Stressing that her party opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she said, "Once again, I appeal to the Central government to take back this divisive and unconstitutional law." In December last year, Opposition leaders had met President Ram Nath Kovind and lodged their protest over police action against students over the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

Citizenship Act Protest: AAP, BSP not to attend today's opposition meeting called by Congress

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-appeal-for-calm-dont-listen-to-rumours-pm-modi-on-anti-caa-protest-270189">Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of playing political games over the amended Citizenship law and asserted that the act is about giving citizenship rights, not taking them away.

"I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-pakistans-failure-to-protect-minorities-compelled-india-to-bring-citizenship-amendment-bill-265778">Pakistan</a>," he said while addressing people at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-interacts-with-saints-seers-at-belur-math-in-west-bengal-273667">Belur Math</a>.&nbsp;

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PM Modi: I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/UFyC0MsnDe">pic.twitter.com/UFyC0MsnDe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216212650016690177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-will-benefit-marginalised-pm-modi-pleads-people-to-not-trust-rumour-mongers-at-bjp-rally-in-delhi-269570">CAA</a>," he added.

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PM Narendra Modi in Belur Math: You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a> . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/IK3u3NRtTA">pic.twitter.com/IK3u3NRtTA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216213935394713600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Prime Minister said that the Centre has made provisions to protect the identity, demography, and culture of the North-East.

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PM Modi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA</a> mein hum nagrikta de hi rahe hain,kisi ki bhi nagrikta chheen nahi rahe hain.Iske alawa,aaj bhi,kisi bhi dharm ka vyakti,bhagwan mein maanta ho na maanta ho,jo vyakti Bharat ke samvidhaan ko maanta hai,vo tai prakriyaon ke tehet,Bharat ki nagrikta le sakta hai. <a href="https://t.co/Sp0Jg4mD9K">pic.twitter.com/Sp0Jg4mD9K</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216216752427659264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of playing political games over the amended Citizenship law and asserted that the act is about giving citizenship rights, not taking them away.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of playing political games over the amended Citizenship law and asserted that the act is about giving citizenship rights, not taking them away. "I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan," he said while addressing people at Belur Math. PM Modi: I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan pic.twitter.com/UFyC0MsnDe — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × "You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the CAA," he added. PM Narendra Modi in Belur Math: You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the #CitizenshipAmendmentAct . #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/IK3u3NRtTA — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × The Prime Minister said that the Centre has made provisions to protect the identity, demography, and culture of the North-East. PM Modi: #CAA mein hum nagrikta de hi rahe hain,kisi ki bhi nagrikta chheen nahi rahe hain.Iske alawa,aaj bhi,kisi bhi dharm ka vyakti,bhagwan mein maanta ho na maanta ho,jo vyakti Bharat ke samvidhaan ko maanta hai,vo tai prakriyaon ke tehet,Bharat ki nagrikta le sakta hai. pic.twitter.com/Sp0Jg4mD9K — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Opposition playing political games over Citizenship Amendment Act: PM Modi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to "find out the provision in the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)" which can take the citizenship away from any Indian, reported news agency ANI.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to "find out the provision in the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)" which can take the citizenship away from any Indian, reported news agency ANI. "I challenge Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Baba to find out a provision in the Citizenship Amendment Act that can take the citizenship away from anyone in this country," Shah was quoted as saying while addressing a public meeting in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. When the partition of the country took place, the Congress party divided the country based on religion, he said and added that then leaders had assured Indian citizenship to the minority refugees from Pakistan. "The Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Jain, who lived in both East and West Pakistan wanted to come here, but they stayed there because of the bloodshed. The leaders of our country then assured them that they will be welcome here and given the citizenship whenever they come," said Shah. Taking a swipe at Congress for opposing the CAA, he said: "When the partition took place, there were 30 per cent Hindus in both East and West Pakistan. Today, there are just 3 per cent Hindus in Pakistan and 7 per cent Hindus in East Pakistan (Bangladesh). I want to ask the blind and deaf Congress leaders, where are my Hindu, Sikh, Sindhi brothers." The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. (With inputs from ANI)

Amit Shah's challenge to Rahul Gandhi, Mamata over CAA 

BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday said that restrictions in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Jammu and Kashmir</a> are being lifted in a phased manner and the UT is like any other part of the country now.

"There were two major restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. One was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-amid-internet-shutdown-terrorists-increase-use-of-satellite-phones-265291">internet services</a> that is about to be restored. The other was leaders under detention; regarding that government will be releasing 20-25 leaders in phases. Jammu and Kashmir is like any other part of the country now," Madhav told reporters here.

"Regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, some people were trying to create a false picture. To dispel this, the government took the step to invite a foreign delegation to observe the situation there. According to the situation there, the government will take further steps," he added.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-review-on-all-restrictive-orders-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-article-370-abrogation-273307">Supreme Court</a> on Friday directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review the restrictive orders imposed in the region within a week.

As part of moves to progressively release detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, the government on Friday revoked the detention warrants of 26 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Several mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti are under detention following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-foreign-medias-india-bias-249191">abrogation</a> of Article 370.

Speaking about the situation in Jawaharlal Nehru University (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masked-goons-attack-students-teachers-on-jnu-campus-many-injured-272344">JNU</a>), Madhav said: "The violence in JNU was started by the leftist elements. For decades JNU has been ravaged by leftist elements and the students there have been exploited by them. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sundays-attack-was-orchestrated-by-rss-affiliated-professors-and-abvp-jnusu-president-272561">ABVP</a> has clearly said that the people who did violence in JNU have nothing to do with the organisation."

Regarding the citizenship law, the BJP leader said: "The government has issued a gazette notification regarding the citizenship law and further steps will be taken accordingly. The Citizenship Amendment Act (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">CAA</a>) is now a part of the constitution and if some Chief Ministers are saying that they would not implement the law in their states are disobeying the constitution. The people there should vote them out in the next election."

BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday said that restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir are being lifted in a phased manner and the UT is like any other part of the country now.

BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday said that restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir are being lifted in a phased manner and the UT is like any other part of the country now. "There were two major restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. One was the internet services that is about to be restored. The other was leaders under detention; regarding that government will be releasing 20-25 leaders in phases. Jammu and Kashmir is like any other part of the country now," Madhav told reporters here. "Regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, some people were trying to create a false picture. To dispel this, the government took the step to invite a foreign delegation to observe the situation there. According to the situation there, the government will take further steps," he added. The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review the restrictive orders imposed in the region within a week. As part of moves to progressively release detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, the government on Friday revoked the detention warrants of 26 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Several mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti are under detention following the abrogation of Article 370. Speaking about the situation in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Madhav said: "The violence in JNU was started by the leftist elements. For decades JNU has been ravaged by leftist elements and the students there have been exploited by them. ABVP has clearly said that the people who did violence in JNU have nothing to do with the organisation." Regarding the citizenship law, the BJP leader said: "The government has issued a gazette notification regarding the citizenship law and further steps will be taken accordingly. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is now a part of the constitution and if some Chief Ministers are saying that they would not implement the law in their states are disobeying the constitution. The people there should vote them out in the next election."

Restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir being removed in phased manner: Ram Madhav

Union Home Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-blames-aap-congress-for-recent-riots-272522"> Amit Shah</a> on Saturday reiterated that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/caa-and-nrc-protests-addressing-concerns-of-protesters-a-must-for-government-268749">Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act</a> was enacted to give citizenship and not take it away, while also urging people to steer clear of opposition parties who are "spreading lies".

"No citizenship can be taken away by the Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act. It was only enacted to grant citizenship. The opposition parties are spreading lies. I only want people of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/gujarats-contribution-to-india-600#gujarat-contributes-73-per-cent-to-the-national-gdp-60942">Gujarat</a> to stay away from such people," Shah said, pursuant to inaugurating VISWAS and Cyber Aashvast Project in Gujarat's Gandhinagar.

The newly-enacted law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Protests have been happening across the country ever since the law received the presidential assent last month.

The Union Minister added that technology can play an "important role in controlling the law and order situation" in the country."VISWAS and AASHVAST have been kick-started. It has a network of CCTV cameras which will be immensely helpful for the Gujarat Police," Shah said.

He said that cybercrime will be curbed with the help of Aashvast Project.

Shah had yesterday inaugurated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to fight cybercrimes and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal through which people can report cyber crimes online.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reiterated that the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted to give citizenship and not take it away, while also urging people to steer clear of opposition parties who are "spreading lies".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reiterated that the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted to give citizenship and not take it away, while also urging people to steer clear of opposition parties who are "spreading lies". "No citizenship can be taken away by the Citizenship Amendment Act. It was only enacted to grant citizenship. The opposition parties are spreading lies. I only want people of Gujarat to stay away from such people," Shah said, pursuant to inaugurating VISWAS and Cyber Aashvast Project in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. The newly-enacted law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Protests have been happening across the country ever since the law received the presidential assent last month. The Union Minister added that technology can play an "important role in controlling the law and order situation" in the country."VISWAS and AASHVAST have been kick-started. It has a network of CCTV cameras which will be immensely helpful for the Gujarat Police," Shah said. He said that cybercrime will be curbed with the help of Aashvast Project. Shah had yesterday inaugurated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to fight cybercrimes and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal through which people can report cyber crimes online.

Citizenship Amendment Act will not take away citizenship: Amit Shah

Ahead of the Opposition party meeting in Delhi next week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-hold-dharna-against-caa-nrc-at-raj-ghat-on-monday-269502">Congress</a> Working Committee (CWC) will meet here on Saturday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country.

The meeting is scheduled for 3.30 pm at party headquarters.

The Congress has called the meeting of Opposition parties on January 13 in Parliament Annexe to discuss the emerging situation and incident of violence against students.

The Opposition parties are meeting for a joint strategy on the issue of Anti-CAA protests and alleged police brutality against the students.

The CWC will likely discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-comes-into-force-from-today-centre-issues-notification-273487">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) and protests against it. The party has already supported the protest and showed solidarity with the demonstrations which are being spearheaded by student bodies.

Sources say that Congress will come up with a detailed plan on this issue and a statement regarding ongoing unrest in the country and high handedness of the Government.

The Congress interim president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-demands-independent-judicial-inquiry-into-jnu-violence-272538">Sonia Gandhi</a> has already condemned the violence and had sent a fact-finding team to the JNU.

Sonia Gandhi in her statement had demanded a judicial enquiry into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-violence-professors-move-delhi-hc-seeking-to-preserve-cctv-footage-other-evidences-273433">JNU violence</a> which took place on Sunday. She had said that the entire party stands in solidarity with the students.

Ahead of the Opposition party meeting in Delhi next week, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet here on Saturday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country.

Ahead of the Opposition party meeting in Delhi next week, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet here on Saturday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the country. The meeting is scheduled for 3.30 pm at party headquarters. The Congress has called the meeting of Opposition parties on January 13 in Parliament Annexe to discuss the emerging situation and incident of violence against students. The Opposition parties are meeting for a joint strategy on the issue of Anti-CAA protests and alleged police brutality against the students. The CWC will likely discuss the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and protests against it. The party has already supported the protest and showed solidarity with the demonstrations which are being spearheaded by student bodies. Sources say that Congress will come up with a detailed plan on this issue and a statement regarding ongoing unrest in the country and high handedness of the Government. The Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has already condemned the violence and had sent a fact-finding team to the JNU. Sonia Gandhi in her statement had demanded a judicial enquiry into the JNU violence which took place on Sunday. She had said that the entire party stands in solidarity with the students.

Congress Working Committee to meet today to discuss current political situation

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-public-campaign-on-citizenship-amendment-act-to-begin-from-today-272261">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) has finally come into force from January 10, a notification published in the Official Gazette from the Home Ministry said.&nbsp;

The amended Act grants citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians who fled religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

In the notification, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-act-protests-internet-suspended-in-21-districts-security-forces-deployed-in-uttar-pradesh-270635">Ministry of Home Affairs</a> (MHA) said, “Central Government appoints the 10th day of January 2020, as the date on which the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act shall come into force.”&nbsp;

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<h5>In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (47 of 2019), the Central Government hereby appoints the 10th day of January 2020, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force.</h5>
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<img alt="CAA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f27329e0-bbe3-4fa3-977b-2b1cf9d03cc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CAA.JPG" /> 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-cant-decide-on-our-citizenship-will-not-fill-npr-form-akhilesh-yadav-270870">Bill was passed by Lok Sabha</a> on December 10, 2019. A day before, it was introduced in Lok Sabha, and a day later it was passed in Rajya Sabha.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has finally come into force from January 10, a notification published in the Official Gazette from the Home Ministry said. The amended Act grants citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians who fled religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has finally come into force from January 10, a notification published in the Official Gazette from the Home Ministry said. The amended Act grants citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians who fled religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014. In the notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, “Central Government appoints the 10th day of January 2020, as the date on which the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act shall come into force.” In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (47 of 2019), the Central Government hereby appoints the 10th day of January 2020, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force. × The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on December 10, 2019. A day before, it was introduced in Lok Sabha, and a day later it was passed in Rajya Sabha.

Citizenship Amendment Act comes into force, Centre issues notification

The bail petition of 15 accused in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/daryaganj-caa-protest-court-to-hear-bail-plea-of-15-accused-on-january-7-270757">Darya Ganj violence case</a> will be heard at 4 pm today after medical reports, footages, and evidence in the matter are submitted before a Delhi court.

The Delhi Police had arrested 15 people and detained 40 on December 20 last year after police and protestors clashed in the area over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

All the 15 accused were then sent to judicial custody. Advocate Rebecca John, appearing on the behalf of the accused, told the court that Section 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) should not be imposed in the case.

"The allegations in the FIR only make out a case under Section 435 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the amount of one hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupees), which is a bailable offence," she said.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), however, opposed the bail petition and called the incident a criminal conspiracy. Judge Kamini Lau retorted and said that it cannot be called criminal but civil at best.

"The people were walking from Seelampur and as they moved on others kept joining. That is how protests are. And everyone has a right to protest," Kamini said.

She added, "We as courts sitting here to safeguard the rights. I am worried about the vandalism. How can anyone damage public property and block roads? It is condemnable."

Yesterday, Tis Hazari Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar transferred the bail plea matter to District Judge (Central) as the violence case was transferred to the crime branch.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The bail petition of 15 accused in Darya Ganj violence case will be heard at 4 pm today after medical reports, footages, and evidence in the matter are submitted before a Delhi court.

The bail petition of 15 accused in Darya Ganj violence case will be heard at 4 pm today after medical reports, footages, and evidence in the matter are submitted before a Delhi court. The Delhi Police had arrested 15 people and detained 40 on December 20 last year after police and protestors clashed in the area over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. All the 15 accused were then sent to judicial custody. Advocate Rebecca John, appearing on the behalf of the accused, told the court that Section 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) should not be imposed in the case. "The allegations in the FIR only make out a case under Section 435 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the amount of one hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupees), which is a bailable offence," she said. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), however, opposed the bail petition and called the incident a criminal conspiracy. Judge Kamini Lau retorted and said that it cannot be called criminal but civil at best. "The people were walking from Seelampur and as they moved on others kept joining. That is how protests are. And everyone has a right to protest," Kamini said. She added, "We as courts sitting here to safeguard the rights. I am worried about the vandalism. How can anyone damage public property and block roads? It is condemnable." Yesterday, Tis Hazari Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar transferred the bail plea matter to District Judge (Central) as the violence case was transferred to the crime branch.

Anti-CAA stir: Court to hear bail plea of accused in Darya Ganj violence case today

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to hear on January 10 the Central government's petition seeking to transfer those PILs filed and pending in various state High Courts against the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to the apex court.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, mentioned the matter before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde.

He requested the top court to hear the matter by contending that the High Courts may take different views on the same issue.

After hearing the mentioning, CJI Bobde agreed to hear the petition on Friday.

It is to be noted that as many as 60 petitions have been filed before the court challenging the newly amended law.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to hear on January 10 the Central government's petition seeking to transfer those PILs filed and pending in various state High Courts against the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to the apex court.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to hear on January 10 the Central government's petition seeking to transfer those PILs filed and pending in various state High Courts against the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to the apex court. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, mentioned the matter before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde. He requested the top court to hear the matter by contending that the High Courts may take different views on the same issue. After hearing the mentioning, CJI Bobde agreed to hear the petition on Friday. It is to be noted that as many as 60 petitions have been filed before the court challenging the newly amended law. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Supreme Court to hear Centre's PIL regarding transfer of pleas against CAA from state High Courts on January 10

In view of Bengal's Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee's remark made on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, a petition was filed on Monday in India's apex court seeking a direction from&nbsp;West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar to remove CM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/instead-of-opposing-caa-focus-on-children-dying-in-kota-shah-tells-gehlot-271963">Mamta Banerjee</a> from office "demanding UN-monitored referendum on CAA". 
 
The plea filed by a person named Varaaki contended that the oath of office under schedule III of the Constitution of India mandates the Chief Minister not to make a statement against the sovereignty and integrity of the country. 
 
Mamata Banerjee had earlier sought a referendum with United Nation's assistance over the CAA issue. 
 
She had said, "Let there be an impartial organization like the United Nations or the Human Rights Commission form a committee to see how many people are in favor or against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-deputy-cm-sushil-modi-opposition-parties-spreading-myth-among-muslims-about-caa-272328">Citizenship Amendment Act</a>." 
 
The petitioner stated that her statement is an open violation of Indian sovereignty and oath. 
 
"She, after the violation of oath, is no longer eligible to hold the post," the petition stated and sought her removal from the posy.

Amid everything, CM Mamta&nbsp;Banerjee on Monday condemned JNU violence and called it a "fascist surgical strike on the student community". 
 
"It is very disturbing. It is a dangerous planted attack on democracy. Anyone who speaks against the government is labeled a Pakistani and an enemy of the country. We never saw such a situation in the country before this," the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

In view of Bengal's Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee's remark made on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, a petition was filed on Monday in India's apex court seeking a direction from West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar to remove CM Mamta Banerjee from office "demanding UN-monitored referendum on CAA".

In view of Bengal's Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee's remark made on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, a petition was filed on Monday in India's apex court seeking a direction from West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar to remove CM Mamta Banerjee from office "demanding UN-monitored referendum on CAA". The plea filed by a person named Varaaki contended that the oath of office under schedule III of the Constitution of India mandates the Chief Minister not to make a statement against the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Mamata Banerjee had earlier sought a referendum with United Nation's assistance over the CAA issue. She had said, "Let there be an impartial organization like the United Nations or the Human Rights Commission form a committee to see how many people are in favor or against the Citizenship Amendment Act." The petitioner stated that her statement is an open violation of Indian sovereignty and oath. "She, after the violation of oath, is no longer eligible to hold the post," the petition stated and sought her removal from the posy. Amid everything, CM Mamta Banerjee on Monday condemned JNU violence and called it a "fascist surgical strike on the student community". "It is very disturbing. It is a dangerous planted attack on democracy. Anyone who speaks against the government is labeled a Pakistani and an enemy of the country. We never saw such a situation in the country before this," the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

Petition filed in Supreme Court to seek removal of West Bengal CM on anti-CAA remarks

Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-council-of-ministers-two-day-meeting-gets-underway-today-271958">Amit Shah</a> on Sunday said Congress leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/even-ordinary-bjp-worker-can-defeat-rahul-gandhi-in-debate-over-caa-nrc-g-kishan-reddy-271068">Rahul Gandhi</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/can-priyanka-gandhi-make-a-difference-in-uttar-pradesh-271109">Priyanka Vadra</a> instigated riots by supporting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-cong-not-behind-anti-caa-violence-why-havent-they-condemned-it-nadda-271808">anti-Citizenship Amendment Act</a> drive. 
 
"Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra instigated riots by misleading people over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-might-have-fired-in-self-defence-at-mathura-road-sources-on-jamia-violence-272276">Citizenship Amendment Act</a>," Shah said while addressing a Booth Karyakarta Sammelan in New Delhi. 
 
The Act grants Indian citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. 
 
The opposition Congress has time and again criticised the amended law, deeming it discriminatory. While Rahul has termed it an attack on the poor, his sister Priyanka has dubbed the new law unconstitutional. 
 
Meanwhile, Union Minister Shah also targeted Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-not-vote-for-those-who-create-divisions-among-hindus-and-muslims-arvind-kejriwal-272091">Arvind Kejriwal</a> for not doing enough for the development of the capital. 
 
"They (AAP) promised that they will install 15 lakh CCTV cameras across the capital. So far, they have not fulfilled their promise. They also promised to make the contractual teachers and employees permanent. This task has also not been completed by them. And whatever development we want to bring in Delhi, Kejriwal is becoming an obstruction in that also. People of Delhi now know them properly," he said. 
 
"I urge the people of Delhi to seek report of the work undertaken by the Arvind Kejriwal government while being in power for the past five years," the Union Minister said in his concluding remark.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra instigated riots by supporting the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act drive.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra instigated riots by supporting the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act drive. "Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra instigated riots by misleading people over the Citizenship Amendment Act," Shah said while addressing a Booth Karyakarta Sammelan in New Delhi. The Act grants Indian citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The opposition Congress has time and again criticised the amended law, deeming it discriminatory. While Rahul has termed it an attack on the poor, his sister Priyanka has dubbed the new law unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Union Minister Shah also targeted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not doing enough for the development of the capital. "They (AAP) promised that they will install 15 lakh CCTV cameras across the capital. So far, they have not fulfilled their promise. They also promised to make the contractual teachers and employees permanent. This task has also not been completed by them. And whatever development we want to bring in Delhi, Kejriwal is becoming an obstruction in that also. People of Delhi now know them properly," he said. "I urge the people of Delhi to seek report of the work undertaken by the Arvind Kejriwal government while being in power for the past five years," the Union Minister said in his concluding remark.

Rahul, Priyanka instigated riots by supporting anti-CAA drive: Home Minister Amit Shah

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-substitute-for-professional-competence-india-calls-for-making-un-peacekeepers-selection-more-stringent-266785">Syed Akbaruddin</a> on Friday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-seeks-power-to-extend-tenure-of-bajwa-271791">Imran Khan</a> for peddling a seven-year-old violence video from Bangladesh as a case of what he claimed to be "Indian police's pogrom against Muslims in UP".

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Repeat Offenders...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oldhabitsdiehard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oldhabitsdiehard</a> <a href="https://t.co/wmsmuiMOjf">pic.twitter.com/wmsmuiMOjf</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1213144735298326529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Repeat offenders. Old habits die hard," wrote Syed on Twitter while taking a jibe at the Pakistan PM who was on the earlier occasion was seen spreading disinformation maligning India.

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Tweet Fake News.Get Caught. 
Delete Tweet. Repeat<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oldhabitsdiehard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oldhabitsdiehard</a> <a href="https://t.co/MjFtzP0WHW">pic.twitter.com/MjFtzP0WHW</a>
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Earlier in a tweet, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stone-pelting-at-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-india-calls-it-wanton-acts-of-destruction-271983">Raveesh Kumar</a> also slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for peddling fake video on the internet. 
 
A now-deleted video shared by Khan was soon fact-checked and found to be of 2013 and showed police action against a group of people in Bangladesh. The Pakistan Prime Minister had tried to pass off the clip as a case of police brutality "against Muslims" in Uttar Pradesh. 
 
At one point in the now-deleted video, a policeman is seen holding a shield of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), proving that it was an incident in Bangladesh. The RAB is an elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police. 
 
Khan faced a strong backlash on social media for tweeting the face video with users saying that he does not even do basic fact-checking.

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin on Friday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for peddling a seven-year-old violence video from Bangladesh as a case of what he claimed to be "Indian police's pogrom against Muslims in UP".

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin on Friday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for peddling a seven-year-old violence video from Bangladesh as a case of what he claimed to be "Indian police's pogrom against Muslims in UP". Repeat Offenders...#Oldhabitsdiehard pic.twitter.com/wmsmuiMOjf — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) January 3, 2020 × "Repeat offenders. Old habits die hard," wrote Syed on Twitter while taking a jibe at the Pakistan PM who was on the earlier occasion was seen spreading disinformation maligning India. Tweet Fake News.Get Caught. Delete Tweet. Repeat#Oldhabitsdiehard pic.twitter.com/MjFtzP0WHW — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 3, 2020 × Earlier in a tweet, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar also slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for peddling fake video on the internet. A now-deleted video shared by Khan was soon fact-checked and found to be of 2013 and showed police action against a group of people in Bangladesh. The Pakistan Prime Minister had tried to pass off the clip as a case of police brutality "against Muslims" in Uttar Pradesh. At one point in the now-deleted video, a policeman is seen holding a shield of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), proving that it was an incident in Bangladesh. The RAB is an elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police. Khan faced a strong backlash on social media for tweeting the face video with users saying that he does not even do basic fact-checking.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan slammed by Syed Akbaruddin for sharing a 'seven-years old' fake video

Six months ago, soon after the re-election of the BJP in 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind delivered a speech to both houses of Parliament.

During the address, the President said, "My government's 'neighbourhood first' policy is evidence of our approach of according priority to south Asia and countries in the adjoining region'.

Neighbourhood first is the cornerstone of Narendra Modi's foreign policy, but neighbours, as we saw, have been extremely critical of India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

On WION Edit, we discuss what this means and what Delhi should do to address this.&nbsp;

We have seen some reactions on CAA - Pakistan's anti-India propaganda, Bangladesh's narrative war and Afghanistan's sense of hurt.

But there are other countries and groups too. For instance, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu have yet not reacted.

There are nearly 59,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in over 100 refugee camps in Tamil Nadu. Another 30,000 live outside camps. There is a small section of Bhutanese refugees here and Rohingya Muslims persecuted in Myanmar. They are all over India, from Jammu to Chennai.

The exclusion of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees has provoked criticism in the political circles of Tamil Nadu, but Colombo hasn't spoken.

The local media in Sri Lanka has highlighted the violent protests in India. In Bhutan too, it's a similar story. The government has steered clear of the issue but sections of the media have slammed New Delhi's decision.

Myanmar too is tongue-tied. A recent meeting between Myanmar government and Rohingya groups over restoring citizenship to minorities failed. Given the government's own record, it has wisely remained quiet about India.

On its part, New Delhi is reaching out to all neighbours. As we said Prime Minister Narendra Modi called all heads of state, except Pakistan for new year greetings and a word of reassurance.

The External Affairs Ministry has informed neighbours that the Citizenship Law does not violate the Constitution and more importantly, it is India's internal issue.

That's where the bulk of the challenge lies for the government internally. Bringing all sides together - it's a wise, though belated move.

Six months ago, soon after the re-election of the BJP in 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind delivered a speech to both houses of Parliament. During the address, the President said, "My government's 'neighbourhood first' policy is evidence of our approach of according priority to south Asia and countries in the adjoining region'.

Six months ago, soon after the re-election of the BJP in 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind delivered a speech to both houses of Parliament. During the address, the President said, "My government's 'neighbourhood first' policy is evidence of our approach of according priority to south Asia and countries in the adjoining region'. Neighbourhood first is the cornerstone of Narendra Modi's foreign policy, but neighbours, as we saw, have been extremely critical of India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). On WION Edit, we discuss what this means and what Delhi should do to address this. We have seen some reactions on CAA - Pakistan's anti-India propaganda, Bangladesh's narrative war and Afghanistan's sense of hurt. But there are other countries and groups too. For instance, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu have yet not reacted. There are nearly 59,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in over 100 refugee camps in Tamil Nadu. Another 30,000 live outside camps. There is a small section of Bhutanese refugees here and Rohingya Muslims persecuted in Myanmar. They are all over India, from Jammu to Chennai. The exclusion of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees has provoked criticism in the political circles of Tamil Nadu, but Colombo hasn't spoken. The local media in Sri Lanka has highlighted the violent protests in India. In Bhutan too, it's a similar story. The government has steered clear of the issue but sections of the media have slammed New Delhi's decision. Myanmar too is tongue-tied. A recent meeting between Myanmar government and Rohingya groups over restoring citizenship to minorities failed. Given the government's own record, it has wisely remained quiet about India. On its part, New Delhi is reaching out to all neighbours. As we said Prime Minister Narendra Modi called all heads of state, except Pakistan for new year greetings and a word of reassurance. The External Affairs Ministry has informed neighbours that the Citizenship Law does not violate the Constitution and more importantly, it is India's internal issue. That's where the bulk of the challenge lies for the government internally. Bringing all sides together - it's a wise, though belated move.

WION Edit: 'Neighbourhood First' policy must show in New Delhi's actions

Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) detained over 400 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mother-of-toddler-released-after-being-jailed-for-14-days-for-protesting-against-caa-271588">Bangladesh nationals</a>,&nbsp;who were trying to flee India and illegally re-enter the neighbouring country.

All these 445 Bangladeshi nationals were staying without legal documents in India, BGB chief Major general Shafeenul Islam said in an official statement.

The Bangladeshi nationals had moved to as far as Bengaluru in south India where they were staying without documents, Shafeenul also said.

The latest development comes as India Indian government passed a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-heres-why-the-police-force-is-being-targetted-and-demonised-271596"> Citizenship Amendment Ac</a>t which gives citizenship to persecuted refugees coming from three neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Act has sparked massive protests across the country in which several clashes between protestors and police were also reported.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian MEA comes clean on Bangladesh

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Another reason for&nbsp;this reverse migration can be attributed to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which has already been carried&nbsp;out in Assam state.

A total of 972 persons were apprehended while entering the territory in the last one-year with half the number entering in November and December only.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked t<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-restores-mobile-network-in-border-areas-with-india-271463">elecom operators to shut down the mobile network</a> in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar. The services were however restored a day after on Wednesday.

Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’.

Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) detained over 400 Bangladesh nationals, who were trying to flee India and illegally re-enter the neighbouring country. All these 445 Bangladeshi nationals were staying without legal documents in India, BGB chief Major general Shafeenul Islam said in an official statement.

Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) detained over 400 Bangladesh nationals, who were trying to flee India and illegally re-enter the neighbouring country. All these 445 Bangladeshi nationals were staying without legal documents in India, BGB chief Major general Shafeenul Islam said in an official statement. The Bangladeshi nationals had moved to as far as Bengaluru in south India where they were staying without documents, Shafeenul also said. The latest development comes as India Indian government passed a Citizenship Amendment Act which gives citizenship to persecuted refugees coming from three neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Act has sparked massive protests across the country in which several clashes between protestors and police were also reported. Watch | Indian MEA comes clean on Bangladesh × Another reason for this reverse migration can be attributed to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which has already been carried out in Assam state. A total of 972 persons were apprehended while entering the territory in the last one-year with half the number entering in November and December only. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar. The services were however restored a day after on Wednesday. Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’.

Over 400 Bangaldeshi nationals trying to flee India arrested by border guards

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs addressed the Media live. Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs has explained India's position on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He also informed that the Australian Prime Minister is expected to visit India in June 2020. #WION #India #IndiaNews #RaveeshKumar

Indian Foreign Ministry briefs media

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/69-people-who-were-held-during-anti-caa-protests-in-varanasi-get-bail-271479">protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act</a> in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning.

The activist parents of Champak, the infant, were arrested by police in Varanasi for attending a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 19.

While Ekta's husband is still lodged in jail, she was released on Thursday&nbsp;morning.

After being released, Ekta said it was very tough for her to stay away from her baby girl, who relies on breastfeeding.

"I am meeting my child after 14 days. It was very difficult for me to stay away from my daughter for over two weeks as she is just 14-month-old and relies on breastfeeding. I was really worried about her," she said.

Being asked if she regretted participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ravi-shankar-prasad-tears-into-opposition-for-supporting-anti-caa-protests-271380">anti-CAA protest</a>, she said: "We have realised that our protest was right. The government must answer questions raised against the CAA and NRC. It was our effort to improve the future of 1,000 children like Champak."

Meanwhile, Champak's grandmother lambasted the central and state government over the alleged crackdown on anti-CAA stir protesters and said: "The leaders who do not have their own families, can they understand the pain of those who have it? They will not rule for more days. No citizen is happy with them."

This comes a day after Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-the-first-time-when-priyanka-gandhi-has-made-such-security-lapses-crpf-271063">Priyanka Gandhi</a> hit out at the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that a 14-month-child has been separated from her parents, who were jailed by the police for participating in an anti-citizenship law protest in Varanasi.

"The BJP government has shown such inhumanity to suppress the civil demonstrations that a small child has been separated from the parents," Gandhi had tweeted in Hindi.

The grandparents of Champak had said that the child's health is getting deteriorated as she has been living away from her parents.

The Congress leader had also said that it is the "moral duty of the government to allow the innocent mother of this child to go home."

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning.

Ekta Shekhar, who was arrested along with her husband during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi, returned home to her 14-month-old child on Thursday morning. The activist parents of Champak, the infant, were arrested by police in Varanasi for attending a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 19. While Ekta's husband is still lodged in jail, she was released on Thursday morning. After being released, Ekta said it was very tough for her to stay away from her baby girl, who relies on breastfeeding. "I am meeting my child after 14 days. It was very difficult for me to stay away from my daughter for over two weeks as she is just 14-month-old and relies on breastfeeding. I was really worried about her," she said. Being asked if she regretted participating in the anti-CAA protest, she said: "We have realised that our protest was right. The government must answer questions raised against the CAA and NRC. It was our effort to improve the future of 1,000 children like Champak." Meanwhile, Champak's grandmother lambasted the central and state government over the alleged crackdown on anti-CAA stir protesters and said: "The leaders who do not have their own families, can they understand the pain of those who have it? They will not rule for more days. No citizen is happy with them." This comes a day after Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi hit out at the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that a 14-month-child has been separated from her parents, who were jailed by the police for participating in an anti-citizenship law protest in Varanasi. "The BJP government has shown such inhumanity to suppress the civil demonstrations that a small child has been separated from the parents," Gandhi had tweeted in Hindi. The grandparents of Champak had said that the child's health is getting deteriorated as she has been living away from her parents. The Congress leader had also said that it is the "moral duty of the government to allow the innocent mother of this child to go home." The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA protests: Mother of toddler released after 14-day jail

Communications Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/patna-sahibs-big-face-off-shatrughan-sinha-vs-ravi-shankar-prasad-219323">Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> slammed the opposition for supporting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/anti-citizenship-amendment-act-2019-protests-10-things-you-need-to-know-268511">anti-Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) protests and assured people that the new citizenship law will not take away the citizenship of any Indian.

"I support CAA. Some are protesting without understanding the Act. But what is more surprising is that Congress is not ready to understand. CPI, CPI(M) deliberately does not want to understand".

&nbsp;"CAA does not imply to India or any of its citizens. It will neither give citizenship nor takes away anyone`s citizenship. Indira Gandhi gave citizenship to Hindus who have come from Uganda, Rajiv Gandhi also gave citizenship to Tamilians from Sri Lanka. Then I do not understand that If <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/world-leaders-congratulate-pm-modi-on-re-election-221092">PM Modi</a> is doing the same then why is it bad ?."

"Only the Parliament has the power to pass the law regarding citizenship, not any State Assembly," he added. These statements by the Union Minister came just hours after the Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Central government to repeal the CAA.

Protests erupted across the country over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed the opposition for supporting the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and assured people that the new citizenship law will not take away the citizenship of any Indian.

Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed the opposition for supporting the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and assured people that the new citizenship law will not take away the citizenship of any Indian. "I support CAA. Some are protesting without understanding the Act. But what is more surprising is that Congress is not ready to understand. CPI, CPI(M) deliberately does not want to understand". "CAA does not imply to India or any of its citizens. It will neither give citizenship nor takes away anyone`s citizenship. Indira Gandhi gave citizenship to Hindus who have come from Uganda, Rajiv Gandhi also gave citizenship to Tamilians from Sri Lanka. Then I do not understand that If PM Modi is doing the same then why is it bad ?." "Only the Parliament has the power to pass the law regarding citizenship, not any State Assembly," he added. These statements by the Union Minister came just hours after the Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Central government to repeal the CAA. Protests erupted across the country over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Parsi refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Ravi Shankar Prasad tears into Opposition for supporting anti-CAA protests

By Mallika Singh&nbsp;

Mobile internet services were cut off in 21 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday and security forces were deployed as precautionary measures to avoid the eruption of fresh protests in the state.

The internet suspension is aimed at curbing fake news in relation to the newly passed Citizenship Amendment Act that 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.

Police have been strategically deployed in sensitive areas and law and order situation has been under control after weeks of violence protests told Director General of Police, OP Singh.

"We have suspended internet services in 21 districts. They will be restored as and when the situation demands...law and order situation is absolutely under control," Singh said.

Singh also informed that people indulging in violence are not to be spared citing it as the reason for hundreds of arrests made. &nbsp;

All districts of Uttar Pradesh were put on high alert on Thursday, ahead of Friday prayers in the backdrop of raging protests against the CAA. 
"We are not touching innocents and we will not spare people who were involved in it (violence). And that is the reason we have arrested active members of many organisations, whether it is PFI or any other political parties," he said.

Over 19 people have died; 1,110 people have been arrested and 5,558 were taken into preventive custody in connection with violence during the anti-CAA protests across the state.

"The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media," Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday.

The passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community.

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.

By Mallika Singh Mobile internet services were cut off in 21 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday and security forces were deployed as precautionary measures to avoid the eruption of fresh protests in the state.

By Mallika Singh Mobile internet services were cut off in 21 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday and security forces were deployed as precautionary measures to avoid the eruption of fresh protests in the state. The internet suspension is aimed at curbing fake news in relation to the newly passed Citizenship Amendment Act that 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. Police have been strategically deployed in sensitive areas and law and order situation has been under control after weeks of violence protests told Director General of Police, OP Singh. "We have suspended internet services in 21 districts. They will be restored as and when the situation demands...law and order situation is absolutely under control," Singh said. Singh also informed that people indulging in violence are not to be spared citing it as the reason for hundreds of arrests made. All districts of Uttar Pradesh were put on high alert on Thursday, ahead of Friday prayers in the backdrop of raging protests against the CAA. "We are not touching innocents and we will not spare people who were involved in it (violence). And that is the reason we have arrested active members of many organisations, whether it is PFI or any other political parties," he said. Over 19 people have died; 1,110 people have been arrested and 5,558 were taken into preventive custody in connection with violence during the anti-CAA protests across the state. "The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media," Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday. The passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community. 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.

Anti-Citizenship Act Protests: Internet suspended in 21 districts, security forces deployed in Uttar Pradesh

The CRPF on Monday blamed Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi for security violation when a party leader rode her on a scooter in Lucknow.&nbsp;

CRPF further said "unscheduled movement" without intimation was done by Gandhi. They also said that security lapses on her part were communicated.&nbsp;

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CRPF:Protectee used non BR civil vehicle without PSO&amp; took lift in scooty as pillion rider.Despite security constraints appropriate security cover was provided by CRPF. Such security lapses are communicated to protectee and advised for ensuring proper security arrangements. 2/2 <a href="https://t.co/dAkxRqdo8j">https://t.co/dAkxRqdo8j</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1211535796269748224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier today, a&nbsp;Congress leader, who drove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-slams-bjp-government-on-economy-citizenship-bill-268260">Priyanka Gandhi </a>on a scooter, faced a fine of Rs 6,100 for breaking traffic rules as both leaders did not wear helmets.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Gandhi was stopped by a police personnel in Lucknow as she was on her way to meet the family members of former IPS officer SR Darapuri who was arrested for protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Congress's Dheeraj Gurjar then rode Gandhi on a scooter to reach former IPS officer's residence.&nbsp;

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Lucknow: The Congress party worker on whose two wheeler Priyanka Gandhi Vadra travelled while going to meet family members of Former IPS officer SR Darapuri yesterday, has been challaned with a penalty of Rs 6100 for not wearing helmets. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/LArpmx31UJ">pic.twitter.com/LArpmx31UJ</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1211266633936719874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A challan of Rs 6,100 was imposed on Gurjar by the Uttar Pradesh traffic police because both the party leaders were not wearing helmets.&nbsp;

Gandhi earlier claimed that she was "strangulated" and "manhandled" by a lady cop as she was on her way to meet the kin of former IPS officer.&nbsp;

"They (UP Police) surrounded me while I was going on a party worker's two-wheeler, after which I walked to reach there," Gandhi had said to mediapersons.&nbsp;

"I was walking (after the car was stopped). I was surrounded, strangulated. They pushed me ... by a woman police person. I fell down. They stopped me and then I went on the scooter of a party worker," she said.

The UP Police, however, has denied all the allegations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The CRPF on Monday blamed Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi for security violation when a party leader rode her on a scooter in Lucknow. CRPF further said "unscheduled movement" without intimation was done by Gandhi.

The CRPF on Monday blamed Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi for security violation when a party leader rode her on a scooter in Lucknow. CRPF further said "unscheduled movement" without intimation was done by Gandhi. They also said that security lapses on her part were communicated. CRPF:Protectee used non BR civil vehicle without PSO& took lift in scooty as pillion rider.Despite security constraints appropriate security cover was provided by CRPF. Such security lapses are communicated to protectee and advised for ensuring proper security arrangements. 2/2 https://t.co/dAkxRqdo8j — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 30, 2019 × Earlier today, a Congress leader, who drove Priyanka Gandhi on a scooter, faced a fine of Rs 6,100 for breaking traffic rules as both leaders did not wear helmets. On Saturday, Gandhi was stopped by a police personnel in Lucknow as she was on her way to meet the family members of former IPS officer SR Darapuri who was arrested for protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Congress's Dheeraj Gurjar then rode Gandhi on a scooter to reach former IPS officer's residence. Lucknow: The Congress party worker on whose two wheeler Priyanka Gandhi Vadra travelled while going to meet family members of Former IPS officer SR Darapuri yesterday, has been challaned with a penalty of Rs 6100 for not wearing helmets. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/LArpmx31UJ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 29, 2019 × A challan of Rs 6,100 was imposed on Gurjar by the Uttar Pradesh traffic police because both the party leaders were not wearing helmets. Gandhi earlier claimed that she was "strangulated" and "manhandled" by a lady cop as she was on her way to meet the kin of former IPS officer. "They (UP Police) surrounded me while I was going on a party worker's two-wheeler, after which I walked to reach there," Gandhi had said to mediapersons. "I was walking (after the car was stopped). I was surrounded, strangulated. They pushed me ... by a woman police person. I fell down. They stopped me and then I went on the scooter of a party worker," she said. The UP Police, however, has denied all the allegations.

CRPF blames Priyanka Gandhi for security breach in Lucknow

The roads in front of DMK leaders homes are now sporting a new look, it has&nbsp;got nothing to do with the year-end, but it is in protest against the contentious CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act).

The homes of late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi, his son MK Stalin (DMK Chief) and his daughter Kanimozhi(Lok Sabha MP) have had Kolams (rangolis) adorning the areas outside their gates. However, the traditional Kolam also had messages of protest against the CAA and NRC- they read “NO CAA - NO NRC.”
<img alt="Rangoli made in protest of CAA" data-caption="Rangoli made in protest of CAA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c9ac10c-4625-48ac-b2d0-9782fd67f62b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pp5hBRIv.jpg" />
While kolam is a traditional form of drawing done on the front porch of one's home, every morning using rice flour or chalk powder, it had taken on a different dimension, as a symbol of protest on Sunday.&nbsp;

According to activists, 6 women were detained in a community hall on Sunday morning by J5 Shastri Nagar Police for drawing anti-CAA kola’s in the upscale Besant nagar locality. Three advocates who had gone to get the women released were also said to be detained by the police. They were released later in the day.

Police have maintained that the protesters had informed them that they wanted to draw kolams with anti-CAA/NRC messages near the Besant Nagar bus terminus between 7 am&nbsp;and 10 am. But the permission for the same was not granted.

Cases were registered under Sections 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly) and 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) against the group.&nbsp;

Reacting to Sunday’s incident,&nbsp;MK Stalin tweeted, “This is a clear example that the authoritarianism of the AIADMK is increasing day by day.” He added that the detention of the women was in violation of their right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the fundamental rights of the Constitution. He demanded that the case against them be withdrawn.&nbsp;

The DMK has rallied together with the Left outfits and other small parties here in their fight against the CAA and in expressing solidarity with those that have been raising their voices against the contentious bill.

The DMK and the Congress in Tamil Nadu have raised questions over why the CAA ignores the plight of Tamils who are a persecuted minority in Sri Lanka, while it considers minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The DMK had staged a protest in Chennai and nearby districts over two weeks ago and later conducted an anti-CAA rally in Chennai along with their allies and like-minded parties. DMK President Stalin had asserted that their protests would continue until the Central government revoked the CAA.&nbsp;

However, the Central government and Tamil Nadu’s AIADMK government have repeatedly insisted that the CAA does not affect Indian citizens, adding that people must not pay attention to the rumours being spread to foment trouble.&nbsp;

The roads in front of DMK leaders homes are now sporting a new look, it has got nothing to do with the year-end, but it is in protest against the contentious CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act).

The roads in front of DMK leaders homes are now sporting a new look, it has got nothing to do with the year-end, but it is in protest against the contentious CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act). The homes of late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi, his son MK Stalin (DMK Chief) and his daughter Kanimozhi(Lok Sabha MP) have had Kolams (rangolis) adorning the areas outside their gates. However, the traditional Kolam also had messages of protest against the CAA and NRC- they read “NO CAA - NO NRC.” While kolam is a traditional form of drawing done on the front porch of one's home, every morning using rice flour or chalk powder, it had taken on a different dimension, as a symbol of protest on Sunday. According to activists, 6 women were detained in a community hall on Sunday morning by J5 Shastri Nagar Police for drawing anti-CAA kola’s in the upscale Besant nagar locality. Three advocates who had gone to get the women released were also said to be detained by the police. They were released later in the day. Police have maintained that the protesters had informed them that they wanted to draw kolams with anti-CAA/NRC messages near the Besant Nagar bus terminus between 7 am and 10 am. But the permission for the same was not granted. Cases were registered under Sections 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly) and 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) against the group. Reacting to Sunday’s incident, MK Stalin tweeted, “This is a clear example that the authoritarianism of the AIADMK is increasing day by day.” He added that the detention of the women was in violation of their right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the fundamental rights of the Constitution. He demanded that the case against them be withdrawn. The DMK has rallied together with the Left outfits and other small parties here in their fight against the CAA and in expressing solidarity with those that have been raising their voices against the contentious bill. The DMK and the Congress in Tamil Nadu have raised questions over why the CAA ignores the plight of Tamils who are a persecuted minority in Sri Lanka, while it considers minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The DMK had staged a protest in Chennai and nearby districts over two weeks ago and later conducted an anti-CAA rally in Chennai along with their allies and like-minded parties. DMK President Stalin had asserted that their protests would continue until the Central government revoked the CAA. However, the Central government and Tamil Nadu’s AIADMK government have repeatedly insisted that the CAA does not affect Indian citizens, adding that people must not pay attention to the rumours being spread to foment trouble.

DMK leaders draw Rangolis to protest against Citizenship Amendment Act

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president and former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-section-144-extended-for-security-in-ayodhya-till-25-february-270783">Uttar Pradesh</a> Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday slammed the Meerut Superintendent of Police (SP) for his alleged statement in a viral video and said that the conduct of cop was "condemnable and unfortunate".

"Muslims living in the country including Uttar Pradesh for years are Indians, not Pakistanis. During protests against CAA-NRC, the communal language/remarks by Meerut SP on them is extremely condemnable and unfortunate," she said in a tweet.

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1. उत्तर प्रदेश सहित पूरे देश में वर्षों से रह रहे मुसलमान भारतीय है ना कि पाकिस्तानी अर्थात् CAA/NRC के विरोध-प्रदर्शन के दौरान खासकर उत्तर प्रदेश के मेरठ SP सिटी द्वारा उनके प्रति साम्प्रदायिक भाषा/टिप्पणी करना अति निन्दनीय व दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1211109342373564416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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She also demanded an inquiry of the incident and said that the cop should be dismissed, if found guilty.

"A high-level judicial inquiry should be held against all such Policemen and if found guilty, they should be immediately dismissed from the job. This is the demand of BSP," she said in another tweet.

Meerut Superintendent of Police, Akhilesh Narayan Singh, who was caught on camera asking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-act-protests-internet-suspended-in-21-districts-security-forces-deployed-in-uttar-pradesh-270635">anti-CAA protestors</a> in the city to "go to Pakistan", had on Saturday said that he was compelled to make such statements as the demonstrators were shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans.

In a purported video that went viral on social media, Akhilesh Narayan Singh was seen asking the people protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut to "go to Pakistan".

"We received information that some youngsters were planning to spread violence in the area. That day, protests were being held across the city. When I reached the spot, some youngsters raised slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad' and ran away," Singh had told reporters.

Narrating the situation, he had said, "We found some of them (protestors) and scolded them. I told them if you raise 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans and hate India so much then go to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-reopens-consulate-in-pakistans-peshawar-after-nearly-three-months-270705">Pakistan</a>. We are trying to identify them and action will be taken against them."

The video has created a major controversy with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharing the video of the incident and accused BJP of spreading communalism in government institutions.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday slammed the Meerut Superintendent of Police (SP) for his alleged statement in a viral video and said that the conduct of cop was "condemnable and unfortunate".

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday slammed the Meerut Superintendent of Police (SP) for his alleged statement in a viral video and said that the conduct of cop was "condemnable and unfortunate". "Muslims living in the country including Uttar Pradesh for years are Indians, not Pakistanis. During protests against CAA-NRC, the communal language/remarks by Meerut SP on them is extremely condemnable and unfortunate," she said in a tweet. 1. उत्तर प्रदेश सहित पूरे देश में वर्षों से रह रहे मुसलमान भारतीय है ना कि पाकिस्तानी अर्थात् CAA/NRC के विरोध-प्रदर्शन के दौरान खासकर उत्तर प्रदेश के मेरठ SP सिटी द्वारा उनके प्रति साम्प्रदायिक भाषा/टिप्पणी करना अति निन्दनीय व दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) December 29, 2019 × She also demanded an inquiry of the incident and said that the cop should be dismissed, if found guilty. "A high-level judicial inquiry should be held against all such Policemen and if found guilty, they should be immediately dismissed from the job. This is the demand of BSP," she said in another tweet. Meerut Superintendent of Police, Akhilesh Narayan Singh, who was caught on camera asking anti-CAA protestors in the city to "go to Pakistan", had on Saturday said that he was compelled to make such statements as the demonstrators were shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans. In a purported video that went viral on social media, Akhilesh Narayan Singh was seen asking the people protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut to "go to Pakistan". "We received information that some youngsters were planning to spread violence in the area. That day, protests were being held across the city. When I reached the spot, some youngsters raised slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad' and ran away," Singh had told reporters. Narrating the situation, he had said, "We found some of them (protestors) and scolded them. I told them if you raise 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans and hate India so much then go to Pakistan. We are trying to identify them and action will be taken against them." The video has created a major controversy with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharing the video of the incident and accused BJP of spreading communalism in government institutions.

Communal remarks by Meerut Superintendent of Police condemnable, unfortunate: Mayawati

After issuing a statement voicing concerns about India's Muslim minority after the passage of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, it appears, is going the extra mile to reward Pakistan for missing the Kuala Lumpur summit earlier this month.&nbsp;

The OIC foreign ministers are likely to meet in Islamabad and on the agenda are Kashmir and the new citizenship law in India.

Saudi's foreign minister, who is currently in Islamabad, is believed to have conveyed Saudi Arabia's decision to the Pakistani government.

Sources in Pakistan's foreign affairs ministry said that meeting could take place in April 2020. The specific dates will depend on the availability of the foreign ministers of all the member nations.

Interestingly, the proposed meeting on Kashmir did not feature in the Pakistan foreign affairs ministry's statement which goes to show that both countries realise how difficult it is to get the OIC bigwigs on-board.

Neither Saudi nor any of the OIC members have officially confirmed the meeting.

The question is what impact will this have on India's relation with the kingdom. Earlier Saudi had backed India on its decision to abrogate Article 370. Saudi also conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest civilian honour back in 2016.

After issuing a statement voicing concerns about India's Muslim minority after the passage of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, it appears, is going the extra mile to reward Pakistan for missing the Kuala Lumpur summit earlier this month.

After issuing a statement voicing concerns about India's Muslim minority after the passage of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, it appears, is going the extra mile to reward Pakistan for missing the Kuala Lumpur summit earlier this month. The OIC foreign ministers are likely to meet in Islamabad and on the agenda are Kashmir and the new citizenship law in India. Saudi's foreign minister, who is currently in Islamabad, is believed to have conveyed Saudi Arabia's decision to the Pakistani government. Sources in Pakistan's foreign affairs ministry said that meeting could take place in April 2020. The specific dates will depend on the availability of the foreign ministers of all the member nations. Interestingly, the proposed meeting on Kashmir did not feature in the Pakistan foreign affairs ministry's statement which goes to show that both countries realise how difficult it is to get the OIC bigwigs on-board. Neither Saudi nor any of the OIC members have officially confirmed the meeting. The question is what impact will this have on India's relation with the kingdom. Earlier Saudi had backed India on its decision to abrogate Article 370. Saudi also conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest civilian honour back in 2016.

Islamabad may host OIC foreign ministers' meet on Kashmir, India's new citizenship law: Report  

Ayodhya District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha on Thursday said Section 144, which prohibits an assembly of more than 4 people in an area, will remain in force in the district till February 25.

The decision came amid violent protests in Uttar Pradesh over the amended Citizenship Act, which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Under the prohibitory orders, people will have to take the permission of the administration for organising any programme in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh police on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-police-beef-up-security-in-ayodhya-270256">beefed up security in the temple town of Ayodhya</a> and kept a tab on the movement of suspicious vehicles crossing through the city.

According to Circle Officer (CO) Amar Singh, security was beefed up in the city and the vehicles passing through Ayodhya were being checked.

"Routine checking is done with the same approach. Apart from that, the police is also interrogating suspicious people. Back seats of the vehicles are also being checked," Singh said.

He added, "There is no specific inputs as of now. Checking is being carried out from every point of view."

Ayodhya District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha on Thursday said Section 144, which prohibits an assembly of more than 4 people in an area, will remain in force in the district till February 25.

Ayodhya District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha on Thursday said Section 144, which prohibits an assembly of more than 4 people in an area, will remain in force in the district till February 25. The decision came amid violent protests in Uttar Pradesh over the amended Citizenship Act, which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Under the prohibitory orders, people will have to take the permission of the administration for organising any programme in Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh police on Wednesday beefed up security in the temple town of Ayodhya and kept a tab on the movement of suspicious vehicles crossing through the city. According to Circle Officer (CO) Amar Singh, security was beefed up in the city and the vehicles passing through Ayodhya were being checked. "Routine checking is done with the same approach. Apart from that, the police is also interrogating suspicious people. Back seats of the vehicles are also being checked," Singh said. He added, "There is no specific inputs as of now. Checking is being carried out from every point of view."

Uttar Pradesh: Section 144 extended for security in Ayodhya till 25 February

On its 134th foundation day, the Congress party on Saturday took out a protest rally against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) to convey the message of 'Save Constitution-Save India'&nbsp;to the people.

The leaders were seen carrying flags of the party and placards that read 'Save Constitution-Save India'.

They also raised slogans in support of party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and against the CAA and NRC.

"We want to bring all things back that Congress had done during its tenure. It is our responsibility to save the constitution. The leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party are destroying the Constitution. The Act is not only against the Muslim community but also the poor people of the country," said a Congress leader, who was a part of the demonstration.

The protest rally concluded near the Girgaon beach in the city. Earlier in the day, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi hoisted the tricolour at the party headquarters in Delhi to mark its 134th foundation day.Congress was founded by a British, Allan Octavian Hume, on December 28, 1885.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On its 134th foundation day, the Congress party on Saturday took out a protest rally against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) to convey the message of 'Save Constitution-Save India' to the people.

On its 134th foundation day, the Congress party on Saturday took out a protest rally against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) to convey the message of 'Save Constitution-Save India' to the people. The leaders were seen carrying flags of the party and placards that read 'Save Constitution-Save India'. They also raised slogans in support of party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and against the CAA and NRC. "We want to bring all things back that Congress had done during its tenure. It is our responsibility to save the constitution. The leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party are destroying the Constitution. The Act is not only against the Muslim community but also the poor people of the country," said a Congress leader, who was a part of the demonstration. The protest rally concluded near the Girgaon beach in the city. Earlier in the day, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi hoisted the tricolour at the party headquarters in Delhi to mark its 134th foundation day.Congress was founded by a British, Allan Octavian Hume, on December 28, 1885.

On its foundation day, Congress holds massive protest rally against CAA, NRC in Mumbai

A Delhi court will on January 7 hear the bail petition filed by fifteen accused who were arrested after a protest against the newly amended citizenship law in Darya Ganj area turned violent last week.

The court was slated to pronounce the verdict today but later sought clarification in the case and posted the matter to next year.

The court has directed the Delhi Police`s Investigating officer (IO) to examine the aspect of the CCTV footage and produce its grabs.

It has also directed the police to verify the address of the accused by the next date of hearing. During the course of hearing on the bail petition earlier today, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) said that the accused hatched a "criminal conspiracy" and in its pursuance, a car was put to fire, stones were pelted, barricades were broken and police officers were assaulted.

"A car was put to fire outside the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police. Also, video footage&nbsp;has surfaced which are being analyzed minutely," the prosecutor told the court.

Countering his contentions, advocate Siddharth Agrawal, told the court that the case under Section 436 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to the "mischief done with an intent to destroy", is not made out against his clients.

The Delhi Police had arrested 15 people and detained 40 on December 20 after police and protestors clashed in the area.

All the 15 accused were then sent to 14-days judicial custody.Initially, six accused moved the court seeking bail.

On their petition, the court had issued a notice to the Delhi Police and slated the matter for hearing to today. The other nine approached the court seeking bail later.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Delhi court will on January 7 hear the bail petition filed by fifteen accused who were arrested after a protest against the newly amended citizenship law in Darya Ganj area turned violent last week.

A Delhi court will on January 7 hear the bail petition filed by fifteen accused who were arrested after a protest against the newly amended citizenship law in Darya Ganj area turned violent last week. The court was slated to pronounce the verdict today but later sought clarification in the case and posted the matter to next year. The court has directed the Delhi Police`s Investigating officer (IO) to examine the aspect of the CCTV footage and produce its grabs. It has also directed the police to verify the address of the accused by the next date of hearing. During the course of hearing on the bail petition earlier today, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) said that the accused hatched a "criminal conspiracy" and in its pursuance, a car was put to fire, stones were pelted, barricades were broken and police officers were assaulted. "A car was put to fire outside the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police. Also, video footage has surfaced which are being analyzed minutely," the prosecutor told the court. Countering his contentions, advocate Siddharth Agrawal, told the court that the case under Section 436 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to the "mischief done with an intent to destroy", is not made out against his clients. The Delhi Police had arrested 15 people and detained 40 on December 20 after police and protestors clashed in the area. All the 15 accused were then sent to 14-days judicial custody.Initially, six accused moved the court seeking bail. On their petition, the court had issued a notice to the Delhi Police and slated the matter for hearing to today. The other nine approached the court seeking bail later.

Daryaganj CAA protest: Court to hear bail plea of 15 accused on January 7

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-act-protests-internet-suspended-in-21-districts-security-forces-deployed-in-uttar-pradesh-270635">Internet services</a> were resumed in Bulandshahr on Saturday, 36 hours after they were snapped in the wake of anti-CAA protests.

The services were snapped at 5 pm on Thursday and started functioning normally at 5 am on Saturday.

The district administration, as a precautionary measure, had decided to suspend the services to check spread of rumours and misinformation related to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-citizenship-amendment-act-and-how-its-different-from-nrc-268657">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) on social media.

Protests against the new citizenship law had turned violent in different parts of the city last week.

Internet services were resumed in Bulandshahr on Saturday, 36 hours after they were snapped in the wake of anti-CAA protests. The services were snapped at 5 pm on Thursday and started functioning normally at 5 am on Saturday.

Internet services were resumed in Bulandshahr on Saturday, 36 hours after they were snapped in the wake of anti-CAA protests. The services were snapped at 5 pm on Thursday and started functioning normally at 5 am on Saturday. The district administration, as a precautionary measure, had decided to suspend the services to check spread of rumours and misinformation related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on social media. Protests against the new citizenship law had turned violent in different parts of the city last week.

Uttar Pradesh: Internet services restored in Bulandshahr after 36 hours

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday.

"Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

SMS messages and mobile Internet services of all mobile service providers except BSNL remained suspended in Lucknow on December 27.

The announcement was made in a notification dated December 26 and undersigned by Additional Chief Secretary, Awanish Kumar Awasthi.

In Bulandshahar, the services will remain suspended till 6:00 am on December 28.

In Agra, Internet Services will remain suspended till 6:00 pm today while in Mathura, Sitapur, Muzaffarnagar, Firozabad and Sambhal, it will remain suspended till further orders.

The services will also remain suspended in Bijnor till the night of December 28.

The Information and Communication Department of Uttar Pradesh said that 498 people have been identified in connection with the damage caused to public property during recent protests in Lucknow, Meerut, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Ferozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mau and Bulandshahar.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday. "Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday. "Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh. SMS messages and mobile Internet services of all mobile service providers except BSNL remained suspended in Lucknow on December 27. The announcement was made in a notification dated December 26 and undersigned by Additional Chief Secretary, Awanish Kumar Awasthi. In Bulandshahar, the services will remain suspended till 6:00 am on December 28. In Agra, Internet Services will remain suspended till 6:00 pm today while in Mathura, Sitapur, Muzaffarnagar, Firozabad and Sambhal, it will remain suspended till further orders. The services will also remain suspended in Bijnor till the night of December 28. The Information and Communication Department of Uttar Pradesh said that 498 people have been identified in connection with the damage caused to public property during recent protests in Lucknow, Meerut, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Ferozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mau and Bulandshahar.

Uttar Pradesh: Mobile internet services restored in Lucknow, Meerut