Ahead of expected violence during the march from Jama Masjid to Delhi Gate, Section 144 has been imposed in North-East Delhi, whereas 15 police companies posted as well due to security concerns. #NorthDelhi #EastDelhi #Section144 #AntiCAAProtest

India: Section 144 imposed in North-East Delhi, 15 police companies posted

Security was beefed up and patrolling has been intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers.

The precautions have been taken after a massive protest had broken out in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/daryaganj-violence-court-dismisses-bail-plea-of-fifteen-accused-269738">Jama Masjid area</a> in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers.

Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers.

"In view of Friday prayers, we have deployed appropriate forces in the region. Around 15 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. Police personnel are also deployed in sensitive areas," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prakash Surya told ANI.

The DCP said that flag marches will also be conducted in Seelampur, Jazfarabad, Mushtafabad and Welcome area.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Massive protests erupts in Delhi's Jama Masjid over CAA

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"Members of the Aman Committee are also with us. They are urging people to maintain law and order in the city," Surya added.

The Delhi Police had arrested 14 people at the protest on December 17. Subsequently, the court sent them to 14-days judicial custody.

The protesters had allegedly pelted stones at policemen and vandalised three buses during the protest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-317-arrested-over-70-cases-registered-in-up-for-violence-270471">Major protests</a> have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Security was beefed up and patrolling has been intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers. The precautions have been taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers.

Security was beefed up and patrolling has been intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers. The precautions have been taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers. Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers. "In view of Friday prayers, we have deployed appropriate forces in the region. Around 15 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. Police personnel are also deployed in sensitive areas," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prakash Surya told ANI. The DCP said that flag marches will also be conducted in Seelampur, Jazfarabad, Mushtafabad and Welcome area. Also Watch: Massive protests erupts in Delhi's Jama Masjid over CAA × "Members of the Aman Committee are also with us. They are urging people to maintain law and order in the city," Surya added. The Delhi Police had arrested 14 people at the protest on December 17. Subsequently, the court sent them to 14-days judicial custody. The protesters had allegedly pelted stones at policemen and vandalised three buses during the protest. Major protests have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Anti-CAA protests: Security beefed up in Delhi, ahead of Friday prayers

Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has strongly condemned the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which has triggered widespread protests in India. His comments have sparked a furore, online and offline.

This could have a bearing on the India-Canada relationship. Since Justin Trudeau came to power in 2013, things haven't been smooth sailing. Jagmeet Singh's NDP is the only party Trudeau can count on. Trudeau will court Jagmeet Singh to get his bills passed. This complicates Canada's relationship with India.

Discussions on Jagmeet Singh often fall under the 'grey' category. Soon after Jagmeet Singh became the leader of NDP in October 2017, he gave an interview to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).&nbsp;

In the interview, Singh was quizzed repeatedly on his view on Talwinder Singh Parmar - the Khalistani terrorist who orchestrated the Air India bombing in 1985. Not once did he take a stand.

On the issue of terrorism, Jagmeet Singh's record is far from being acceptable. And now he's a political heavyweight whom the Canadian PM cannot ignore.

New Delhi has been observing what's happening in Canada. India can only offer to revive ties, Canada has to meet India at the half-way mark.&nbsp;

Local political compulsions could derail Trudeau's India strategy. Especially with a pro-Khalistani voice having a major say in the country's politics. There is a stark difference between how Canadian Sikhs view the issue and how Indian Sikhs see it.

Jagmeet Singh supports the Khalistani cause. Even if it is only to earn brownie points among his voters. As long as the Canadian government relies on Jagmeet Singh, there is a real risk of Canada surrendering itself to Khalistani separatists.

As long as Khalistani sympathisers threatening India exist in the power centres of Canada, the bilateral ties will suffer.

Now, the ball is in Trudeau's court. Does Trudeau value the 'historically strong' ties with India? Or would he court parties that interfere in India's sovereignty?

The answer to this question alone will define the future of this relationship. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has strongly condemned the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which has triggered widespread protests in India.

Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has strongly condemned the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which has triggered widespread protests in India. His comments have sparked a furore, online and offline. This could have a bearing on the India-Canada relationship. Since Justin Trudeau came to power in 2013, things haven't been smooth sailing. Jagmeet Singh's NDP is the only party Trudeau can count on. Trudeau will court Jagmeet Singh to get his bills passed. This complicates Canada's relationship with India. Discussions on Jagmeet Singh often fall under the 'grey' category. Soon after Jagmeet Singh became the leader of NDP in October 2017, he gave an interview to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). In the interview, Singh was quizzed repeatedly on his view on Talwinder Singh Parmar - the Khalistani terrorist who orchestrated the Air India bombing in 1985. Not once did he take a stand. On the issue of terrorism, Jagmeet Singh's record is far from being acceptable. And now he's a political heavyweight whom the Canadian PM cannot ignore. New Delhi has been observing what's happening in Canada. India can only offer to revive ties, Canada has to meet India at the half-way mark. Local political compulsions could derail Trudeau's India strategy. Especially with a pro-Khalistani voice having a major say in the country's politics. There is a stark difference between how Canadian Sikhs view the issue and how Indian Sikhs see it. Jagmeet Singh supports the Khalistani cause. Even if it is only to earn brownie points among his voters. As long as the Canadian government relies on Jagmeet Singh, there is a real risk of Canada surrendering itself to Khalistani separatists. As long as Khalistani sympathisers threatening India exist in the power centres of Canada, the bilateral ties will suffer. Now, the ball is in Trudeau's court. Does Trudeau value the 'historically strong' ties with India? Or would he court parties that interfere in India's sovereignty? The answer to this question alone will define the future of this relationship. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is Canada silently surrendering itself to Khalistanis?

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-issues-travel-advisory-for-its-citizens-in-india-amid-anti-citizenship-act-protests-269837">United States</a> on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect

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The demonstration was carried out in various cities of the US including Austin, Raleigh, and Seattle. 
 
It is important to note that Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the CAA, is contesting from Seattle. 
 
Demonstrators held placards along with Indian flags and were seen raising slogans in support of CAA including 'Stop the violence, Stop the hate. India is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-india-is-conflicted-269552">secular state</a>'. A placard read: 'NRIs support CAA'. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-indias-domestic-policy-russia-269792">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> was passed by the Indian Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. 
 
The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. 
 
Since the enactment of the CAA, protests have erupted in various parts of India including its national capital.

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the United States on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12.

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the United States on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12. Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect × The demonstration was carried out in various cities of the US including Austin, Raleigh, and Seattle. It is important to note that Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the CAA, is contesting from Seattle. Demonstrators held placards along with Indian flags and were seen raising slogans in support of CAA including 'Stop the violence, Stop the hate. India is a secular state'. A placard read: 'NRIs support CAA'. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Indian Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Since the enactment of the CAA, protests have erupted in various parts of India including its national capital.

'India is a secular state': Indian diaspora rally for Citizenship Act in US

Delhi's Tis Hazari court on Monday dismissed the bail petition of 15 accused, who were arrested after a protest in Daryaganj area against the newly-amended citizenship law turned violent last week and sent them to judicial custody for 14-days.

The court observed that police personnel suffered injuries during the violence and said that the incident created panic in society.

The investigation is at the initial state, the court stated, adding that no ground for bail is made out at the present stage.

After the dismissal of bail, lawyers representing the accused said that they will now approach the Sessions court to avail it.

During the course of hearing today, senior counsel Rebecca John, appearing for the accused, told the court that her clients were falsely implicated in the case.

She submitted that they belong to the poor strata of society.

"The accused went to Jama Masjid to offer prayers on Friday. When they were returning from offering prayers at Jama Masjid on Friday, they were picked by the police illegally and falsely implicated in the case."

The council said that Section 120 B (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) cannot be invoked as the accused person do not know each other.

Delhi Police's Investigation Officer told the court that if bail is granted to the accused, they may affect the law and order and influence the witnesses.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) also opposed the bail application filed by the accused and said that video footages have surfaced and they are being analyzed minutely.

He said that the accused hatched a criminal conspiracy and in pursuance of that pelted stones, broke barricades and assaulted officials.

The court had, on Saturday, remanded the accused to two-day judicial custody.

They were produced before the court today at the end of their remand period.

The police had also detained 40 persons for allegedly pelting stones at the police personnel during the protest.

Protests have erupted across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which 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.

Delhi's Tis Hazari court on Monday dismissed the bail petition of 15 accused, who were arrested after a protest in Daryaganj area against the newly-amended citizenship law turned violent last week and sent them to judicial custody for 14-days.

Delhi's Tis Hazari court on Monday dismissed the bail petition of 15 accused, who were arrested after a protest in Daryaganj area against the newly-amended citizenship law turned violent last week and sent them to judicial custody for 14-days. The court observed that police personnel suffered injuries during the violence and said that the incident created panic in society. The investigation is at the initial state, the court stated, adding that no ground for bail is made out at the present stage. After the dismissal of bail, lawyers representing the accused said that they will now approach the Sessions court to avail it. During the course of hearing today, senior counsel Rebecca John, appearing for the accused, told the court that her clients were falsely implicated in the case. She submitted that they belong to the poor strata of society. "The accused went to Jama Masjid to offer prayers on Friday. When they were returning from offering prayers at Jama Masjid on Friday, they were picked by the police illegally and falsely implicated in the case." The council said that Section 120 B (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) cannot be invoked as the accused person do not know each other. Delhi Police's Investigation Officer told the court that if bail is granted to the accused, they may affect the law and order and influence the witnesses. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) also opposed the bail application filed by the accused and said that video footages have surfaced and they are being analyzed minutely. He said that the accused hatched a criminal conspiracy and in pursuance of that pelted stones, broke barricades and assaulted officials. The court had, on Saturday, remanded the accused to two-day judicial custody. They were produced before the court today at the end of their remand period. The police had also detained 40 persons for allegedly pelting stones at the police personnel during the protest. Protests have erupted across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which 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.

Delhi: Court dismisses bail plea of fifteen accused in Daryaganj violence

Hours after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unity-in-diversity-is-indias-speciality-amid-nationwide-protests-pm-modi-addresses-a-rally-in-delhis-ramlila-ground-269566">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her anti-CAA and anti-NRC stand, Banerjee lashed out at PM Modi stating that his stand contradicts Home Minister Amit Shah's position on nationwide NRC.&nbsp;

Banerjee took to Twitter and posted, “Whatever I said is there in public forum, whatever you said is there for people to judge. With the prime minister contradicting Home Minister publicly on nationwide NRC, who is dividing fundamental idea of India? People will definitely decide who is right and who is wrong”.&nbsp;

While addressing people from the Ramlila grounds, PM Modi said, “West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reached out to the UN on the issue. A few years ago, she had stood up in the Parliament and asked to stop infiltration from Bangladesh and wanted help for the refugees coming in from Bangladesh”.&nbsp;

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">prime minister</a> went on to claim that Banerjee was spreading false rumours.&nbsp;

“I want to ask Mamata didi, what changed? Why are you spreading false rumours? Why are you so afraid? You must believe in the people of West Bengal. Why are you not trusting the people of your state? Today, she is questioning the Citizenship Amendment Bill. We understand why. The entire country is watching and understands who you're supporting,” he claimed.&nbsp;

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her anti-CAA and anti-NRC stand, Banerjee lashed out at PM Modi stating that his stand contradicts Home Minister Amit Shah's position on nationwide NRC.

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her anti-CAA and anti-NRC stand, Banerjee lashed out at PM Modi stating that his stand contradicts Home Minister Amit Shah's position on nationwide NRC. Banerjee took to Twitter and posted, “Whatever I said is there in public forum, whatever you said is there for people to judge. With the prime minister contradicting Home Minister publicly on nationwide NRC, who is dividing fundamental idea of India? People will definitely decide who is right and who is wrong”. While addressing people from the Ramlila grounds, PM Modi said, “West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reached out to the UN on the issue. A few years ago, she had stood up in the Parliament and asked to stop infiltration from Bangladesh and wanted help for the refugees coming in from Bangladesh”. The prime minister went on to claim that Banerjee was spreading false rumours. “I want to ask Mamata didi, what changed? Why are you spreading false rumours? Why are you so afraid? You must believe in the people of West Bengal. Why are you not trusting the people of your state? Today, she is questioning the Citizenship Amendment Bill. We understand why. The entire country is watching and understands who you're supporting,” he claimed.

Mamata Banerjee lashes out at PM Modi, says PM contradicting Amit Shah's comments on nationwide NRC 

Internet services will remain suspended from 6 am to 8 pm on Sunday in Jaipur to maintain law and order, said Jaipur Commissionerate.

Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited stated that for safety and security reasons, the metro services will remain suspended tomorrow from 8 am to 2 pm.

The decision comes amid massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (Act) across various parts of the country.

The CAA, 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.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Internet services will remain suspended from 6 am to 8 pm on Sunday in Jaipur to maintain law and order, said Jaipur Commissionerate. Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited stated that for safety and security reasons, the metro services will remain suspended tomorrow from 8 am to 2 pm.

Internet services will remain suspended from 6 am to 8 pm on Sunday in Jaipur to maintain law and order, said Jaipur Commissionerate. Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited stated that for safety and security reasons, the metro services will remain suspended tomorrow from 8 am to 2 pm. The decision comes amid massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (Act) across various parts of the country. The CAA, 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.

Internet services to remain suspended in Jaipur from 6 am to 8 pm on Sunday

Fifteen persons died during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Saturday.

State Inspector General (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar said 263 police personnel were injured of which 57 personnel received firearm injuries.

He said 705 persons have been arrested. "In protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) since December 10 in the state, 705 have been arrested and around 4,500 people were released after preventive arrest. Fifteen casualties have happened. As many as 124 FIRs have been registered," he said.

Kumar said that a large number of illegal weapons were used in the violence during protests.

"A total of 405 bullet shells of the country-made pistol were recovered from protest sites," he said.

Police officials said 63 people were booked and 102 arrested for posting and spreading rumours and misinformation on social media related to the CAA.

"Over 14,100 posts on social media having fake news and misinformation were tacked and action was taken," they said.

As many as 218 people were arrested in Lucknow in connection with violence during anti-CAA protests, according to DGP OP Singh.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged people not to take the law into their hands.

He directed police to search for people involved in spreading rumours concerning the amended law.On Friday clashes took place during protests in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Bahraich, Bareilly, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Gorakhpur and Sambhal.&nbsp;

Fifteen persons died during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Saturday. State Inspector General (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar said 263 police personnel were injured of which 57 personnel received firearm injuries.

Fifteen persons died during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Uttar Pradesh, police said on Saturday. State Inspector General (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar said 263 police personnel were injured of which 57 personnel received firearm injuries. He said 705 persons have been arrested. "In protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) since December 10 in the state, 705 have been arrested and around 4,500 people were released after preventive arrest. Fifteen casualties have happened. As many as 124 FIRs have been registered," he said. Kumar said that a large number of illegal weapons were used in the violence during protests. "A total of 405 bullet shells of the country-made pistol were recovered from protest sites," he said. Police officials said 63 people were booked and 102 arrested for posting and spreading rumours and misinformation on social media related to the CAA. "Over 14,100 posts on social media having fake news and misinformation were tacked and action was taken," they said. As many as 218 people were arrested in Lucknow in connection with violence during anti-CAA protests, according to DGP OP Singh.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged people not to take the law into their hands. He directed police to search for people involved in spreading rumours concerning the amended law.On Friday clashes took place during protests in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Bahraich, Bareilly, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Gorakhpur and Sambhal.

15 dead in Citizenship Amendment Act protests in UP, 705 arrested

The Central government on Saturday dispelled rumours claiming that Indian citizens will need to disclose their religion in their bank's 'Know Your Customer'&nbsp;(KYC) forms.

"There is no requirement for the Indian citizens to declare their religion for opening/existing bank account or for KYC," Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, tweeted.

"Do not fall for baseless rumours about any such move by banks," he added.

According to a media report, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians refugees -- from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan holding long-term visas (LTVs) -- will have to disclose their religion in the bank's KYC forms.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Central government on Saturday dispelled rumours claiming that Indian citizens will need to disclose their religion in their bank's 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) forms.

The Central government on Saturday dispelled rumours claiming that Indian citizens will need to disclose their religion in their bank's 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) forms. "There is no requirement for the Indian citizens to declare their religion for opening/existing bank account or for KYC," Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, tweeted. "Do not fall for baseless rumours about any such move by banks," he added. According to a media report, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians refugees -- from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan holding long-term visas (LTVs) -- will have to disclose their religion in the bank's KYC forms.

No requirement for Indian citizens to declare religion for opening bank account, clarifies Finance Ministry

Following the call of "Bihar-Bandh" against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, party supporters blocked highways at Darbhanga and Vaishali here on Saturday.

At Darbhanga, RJD workers and supporters protested bare chest, sloganeering against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and central government.&nbsp;

They blocked the highway by burning tyres. While at Vaishali, the highway was blocked by the RJD workers with the help of buffaloes.

In Darbhanga, party supporters also protested at the railway line and disrupted train movement.RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Friday appealed to the people of the state to participate in the Bihar bandh against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) on Saturday.

"Bihar will be closed tomorrow. So I appeal to the people for their support," he told ANI."In protest against CAA and NRC, the RJD will be leading a Bihar bandh on December 21. On the eve of it, party carried a torch rally in all districts to give call for a peaceful protest", Tejashwi tweeted on Friday.

Opposing the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), he said the people`s documents often get washed away in floods in the state, and hence they cannot prove their identity if the NRC is implemented.

"In Bihar, people`s documents flow away with floodwaters. How can they prove their identity," Yadav had said.

Meanwhile, JD(U) has supported the central government with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Parliament.

Protests have intensified in various parts of the country after the Parliament passed the CAA last week.

The CAA grants 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.

Following the call of "Bihar-Bandh" against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, party supporters blocked highways at Darbhanga and Vaishali here on Saturday.

Following the call of "Bihar-Bandh" against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, party supporters blocked highways at Darbhanga and Vaishali here on Saturday. At Darbhanga, RJD workers and supporters protested bare chest, sloganeering against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and central government. They blocked the highway by burning tyres. While at Vaishali, the highway was blocked by the RJD workers with the help of buffaloes. In Darbhanga, party supporters also protested at the railway line and disrupted train movement.RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Friday appealed to the people of the state to participate in the Bihar bandh against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) on Saturday. "Bihar will be closed tomorrow. So I appeal to the people for their support," he told ANI."In protest against CAA and NRC, the RJD will be leading a Bihar bandh on December 21. On the eve of it, party carried a torch rally in all districts to give call for a peaceful protest", Tejashwi tweeted on Friday. Opposing the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), he said the people`s documents often get washed away in floods in the state, and hence they cannot prove their identity if the NRC is implemented. "In Bihar, people`s documents flow away with floodwaters. How can they prove their identity," Yadav had said. Meanwhile, JD(U) has supported the central government with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Parliament. Protests have intensified in various parts of the country after the Parliament passed the CAA last week. The CAA grants 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.

Bihar Bandh: RJD supporters use buffaloes to block highway in Vaishali, protest at railway line in Darbhanga

As the people hit the streets at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh to demonstrate against the Citizenship Amendment Act, some protesters on Friday gave roses to the security personnel with beautiful messages.

At the Jantar Mantar, young protestors offered red roses to police personnel, saying that even if they were lathi-charged, their message would be -- "Love in return for hatred".

Students of Jamia Millia Islamia carried out a long march to protest against the new citizenship law and offered roses to police personnel, who were deployed for security. While offering roses to personnel, they chanted slogans, "Dilli Police Baat Karo, Aao Humare Saath Chalo" (Delhi Police, talk to us. Come along and walk with us).

The slogans reassured that students were seeking non-violent engagement, "Hum Yuvaa Hai Baat Karenga/Naki Ghusaa Laat Karenge (We are the youths, who just want to talk. We aren't here to punch or kick)."

In several parts of the country, many protesters were seen attempting to engage with the police.

Locals offered roses to the police in Bhopal, thanking them to provide security during their peaceful protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the NRC.

In a unique way to convince protestors at Town Hall to leave the place and end their protest, DCP of Bengaluru (Central), Chetan Singh Rathore on Thursday sang the national anthem over the public address system, making all protestor rise up from their place.

Shortly after the national anthem commenced, the people protesting over the CAA left the place without any argument.

The CAA 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.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As the people hit the streets at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh to demonstrate against the Citizenship Amendment Act, some protesters on Friday gave roses to the security personnel with beautiful messages.

As the people hit the streets at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh to demonstrate against the Citizenship Amendment Act, some protesters on Friday gave roses to the security personnel with beautiful messages. At the Jantar Mantar, young protestors offered red roses to police personnel, saying that even if they were lathi-charged, their message would be -- "Love in return for hatred". Students of Jamia Millia Islamia carried out a long march to protest against the new citizenship law and offered roses to police personnel, who were deployed for security. While offering roses to personnel, they chanted slogans, "Dilli Police Baat Karo, Aao Humare Saath Chalo" (Delhi Police, talk to us. Come along and walk with us). The slogans reassured that students were seeking non-violent engagement, "Hum Yuvaa Hai Baat Karenga/Naki Ghusaa Laat Karenge (We are the youths, who just want to talk. We aren't here to punch or kick)." In several parts of the country, many protesters were seen attempting to engage with the police. Locals offered roses to the police in Bhopal, thanking them to provide security during their peaceful protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the NRC. In a unique way to convince protestors at Town Hall to leave the place and end their protest, DCP of Bengaluru (Central), Chetan Singh Rathore on Thursday sang the national anthem over the public address system, making all protestor rise up from their place. Shortly after the national anthem commenced, the people protesting over the CAA left the place without any argument. The CAA 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.

Talk to us, walk with us: Anti-CAA protesters to police with roses

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday quelled different rumours being floated in various quarters of social media and said that Indian citizens do not have to prove any ancestry by presenting documents like identity cards, birth certificates etc of parents or grandparents.

"Citizenship of India may be proved by giving any document relating to the date of birth or place of birth or both. Such a list is likely to include a lot of common documents to ensure that no Indian citizen is unduly harassed or put to inconvenience," MHA Spokesperson tweeted.

"Indian citizens do not have to prove any ancestry by presenting documents like identity cards, birth certificates etc of parents or grandparents dating back to the pre-1971 situation," Spokesperson said in another tweet.

The ministry also said that illiterate citizens without any documents may be allowed by authorities to prove their citizenship.

"Illiterate citizens, who may not have any documents, authorities may allow them to produce witnesses or local proofs supported by members of the community. A well laid out procedure will be followed," Spokesperson tweeted.

The clarification by the home ministry comes at a time when different protests both in favour and against of CAA are being witnessed in the state.

Protests had intensified in several parts of the country after the Parliament gave the nod to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019, which became an Act after getting assent from President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31, 2014.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday quelled different rumours being floated in various quarters of social media and said that Indian citizens do not have to prove any ancestry by presenting documents like identity cards, birth certificates etc of parents or grandparents.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday quelled different rumours being floated in various quarters of social media and said that Indian citizens do not have to prove any ancestry by presenting documents like identity cards, birth certificates etc of parents or grandparents. "Citizenship of India may be proved by giving any document relating to the date of birth or place of birth or both. Such a list is likely to include a lot of common documents to ensure that no Indian citizen is unduly harassed or put to inconvenience," MHA Spokesperson tweeted. "Indian citizens do not have to prove any ancestry by presenting documents like identity cards, birth certificates etc of parents or grandparents dating back to the pre-1971 situation," Spokesperson said in another tweet. The ministry also said that illiterate citizens without any documents may be allowed by authorities to prove their citizenship. "Illiterate citizens, who may not have any documents, authorities may allow them to produce witnesses or local proofs supported by members of the community. A well laid out procedure will be followed," Spokesperson tweeted. The clarification by the home ministry comes at a time when different protests both in favour and against of CAA are being witnessed in the state. Protests had intensified in several parts of the country after the Parliament gave the nod to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019, which became an Act after getting assent from President Ram Nath Kovind. The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31, 2014.

Indian citizens don't have to prove any ancestry: Ministry of Home Affairs

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-citizenship-amendment-act-when-actors-turned-activists-269216">protests</a> over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

"We are seeing the active political debate, the discussions in Parliament, the protests by people who are espousing their views on that law. We are also fully aware that there is a judicial process that`s underway," the official said.

"And we respect India`s democratic institutions and India`s democratic practices, and we will continue to observe it on an ongoing basis,` the official added.

The senior State Department official said that Washington would talk to New Delhi "about the fact that as democracies, issues around minority rights, religious freedom, human rights are important pillars of democratic societies", and encourage India and the other democracies alike to adhere to those principles.

The official also said that the US recognises India as a vibrant democracy and holds regular conversations with the country "about a full range of issues".

Similar remarks were made by US Secretary of State Michael <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-on-the-call-says-pompeo-on-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253318">Pompeo</a> yesterday, when he said that his country cares deeply about protecting minorities and religious rights everywhere but honours "Indian democracy as they have a robust debate" on the issue of CAA.

"We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere. We honour Indian democracy and they have a robust debate in India on the issue. The US will be consistent in its response to these issues, not only in India but all across the world," Pompeo said during the joint presser with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, India`s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-commence-22-ministerial-dialogue-in-washington-dc-269125">2+2</a> India-US ministerial dialogue.

His remarks came after being asked whether he thinks "it is appropriate for a democracy to use faith as a determining criterion for citizenship."Last week, the Indian Parliament had passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and it became an Act after receiving assent from President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the senior State Department official said that Washington has spoken publicly of concerns about prolonged detentions in the region after the Indian government`s decision to revoke <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-foreign-medias-india-bias-249191">Article 370</a> of the Constitution on August 5.&nbsp;

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday. "We are seeing the active political debate, the discussions in Parliament, the protests by people who are espousing their views on that law. We are also fully aware that there is a judicial process that`s underway," the official said. "And we respect India`s democratic institutions and India`s democratic practices, and we will continue to observe it on an ongoing basis,` the official added. The senior State Department official said that Washington would talk to New Delhi "about the fact that as democracies, issues around minority rights, religious freedom, human rights are important pillars of democratic societies", and encourage India and the other democracies alike to adhere to those principles. The official also said that the US recognises India as a vibrant democracy and holds regular conversations with the country "about a full range of issues". Similar remarks were made by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo yesterday, when he said that his country cares deeply about protecting minorities and religious rights everywhere but honours "Indian democracy as they have a robust debate" on the issue of CAA. "We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere. We honour Indian democracy and they have a robust debate in India on the issue. The US will be consistent in its response to these issues, not only in India but all across the world," Pompeo said during the joint presser with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, India`s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the 2+2 India-US ministerial dialogue. His remarks came after being asked whether he thinks "it is appropriate for a democracy to use faith as a determining criterion for citizenship."Last week, the Indian Parliament had passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and it became an Act after receiving assent from President Ram Nath Kovind. The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the senior State Department official said that Washington has spoken publicly of concerns about prolonged detentions in the region after the Indian government`s decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5.

Respect India's democratic institutions; will continue to observe parliamentary discussions: US State Dept official on CAA

After Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday demanded an "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/impartial-organisation-like-un-should-form-panel-to-see-how-many-people-favour-citizenship-amendment-act-mamata-269221">impartial organisation</a>" like United Nations to form a committee to check how many people were in favour of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Friday condemned her statement stating that her "stance is an outrage of essence and letter of the constitution".

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In the name of our Founding Fathers I fervently appeal to her to act as per her oath and regretfully withdraw her statement. As a senior leader and constitutional functionary she cannot be oblivious to the potentially dangerous consequences of such approach.
— Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jdhankhar1/status/1207838368299503616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mamata has taken an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamatas-rally-against-citizenship-law-unconstitutional-says-west-bengal-governor-268443">unconstitutional</a> route by her public stance on CAA: WB Guv and ignored my appeal. This has immeasurably caused damage to our democratic fabric," tweeted Dhankar.

He further appealed to Banerjee to act as per her oath and regretfully withdraw her statement."As a senior leader and constitutional functionary, she cannot be oblivious to the potentially dangerous consequences of such an approach. Her stance is an outrage of essence and letter of our constitution and no nation loving person can appreciate or countenance it. I am sure she would forthwith revisit her stance," said Dhankar in a tweet.

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Her stance is an outrage of essence and letter of of our constitution and no nation loving person can appreciate or countenance it. I am sure she would forthwith revisit her stance.
— Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jdhankhar1/status/1207838734776848384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had demanded that an "impartial organisation" like the United Nations should form a committee to see how many people were in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Act."Let there be an impartial organisation like United Nations or Human Rights Commission ...form a committee to see how many people are in favour or against the Citizenship Amendment Act," she said while addressing a gathering here.

Banerjee has been vehemently opposing the amended Citizenship Act and has said that she will not allow the legislation to be implemented in West Bengal. Several other non-BJP chief ministers have also echoed similar views.&nbsp;

After Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday demanded an "impartial organisation" like United Nations to form a committee to check how many people were in favour of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Friday condemned her statement stating that her "stance is an outrage of essence and letter of the constitution".

After Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday demanded an "impartial organisation" like United Nations to form a committee to check how many people were in favour of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Friday condemned her statement stating that her "stance is an outrage of essence and letter of the constitution". In the name of our Founding Fathers I fervently appeal to her to act as per her oath and regretfully withdraw her statement. As a senior leader and constitutional functionary she cannot be oblivious to the potentially dangerous consequences of such approach. — Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) December 20, 2019 × Mamata has taken an unconstitutional route by her public stance on CAA: WB Guv and ignored my appeal. This has immeasurably caused damage to our democratic fabric," tweeted Dhankar. He further appealed to Banerjee to act as per her oath and regretfully withdraw her statement."As a senior leader and constitutional functionary, she cannot be oblivious to the potentially dangerous consequences of such an approach. Her stance is an outrage of essence and letter of our constitution and no nation loving person can appreciate or countenance it. I am sure she would forthwith revisit her stance," said Dhankar in a tweet. Her stance is an outrage of essence and letter of of our constitution and no nation loving person can appreciate or countenance it. I am sure she would forthwith revisit her stance. — Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) December 20, 2019 × On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had demanded that an "impartial organisation" like the United Nations should form a committee to see how many people were in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Act."Let there be an impartial organisation like United Nations or Human Rights Commission ...form a committee to see how many people are in favour or against the Citizenship Amendment Act," she said while addressing a gathering here. Banerjee has been vehemently opposing the amended Citizenship Act and has said that she will not allow the legislation to be implemented in West Bengal. Several other non-BJP chief ministers have also echoed similar views.

Mamata has taken unconstitutional route by seeking outside intervention on CAA: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar

Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a statement slamming Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad's remarks over the Citizenship Amendment Act in India.&nbsp;

The MEA called Mohamad's remarks as "factually inaccurate" and said that the Malaysian Prime Minister, "has yet again remarked on a matter that is entirely internal to India," the statement read.

The statement further added that the new law is to provide citizenship to the "persecuted minorities from three countries" and that it does not impact any Indian citizen.&nbsp;

"The Citizenship Amendment Act provides for citizenship through naturalization to be fast-tracked for non-citizens who are persecuted minorities from three countries. The Act does not impact in any manner on the status of any citizen of India, or deprive any Indian of any faith of her or his citizenship," the MEA release read.

New Delhi has also asked Malaysia "to refrain from commenting on internal developments in India, especially without a right understanding of the facts".

According to reports, the Malaysian PM during a summit in Kuala Lumpur made comments on the CAA, criticising the new citizenship law and questioning its "necessity".&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a statement slamming Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad's remarks over the Citizenship Amendment Act in India.

Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a statement slamming Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad's remarks over the Citizenship Amendment Act in India. The MEA called Mohamad's remarks as "factually inaccurate" and said that the Malaysian Prime Minister, "has yet again remarked on a matter that is entirely internal to India," the statement read. The statement further added that the new law is to provide citizenship to the "persecuted minorities from three countries" and that it does not impact any Indian citizen. "The Citizenship Amendment Act provides for citizenship through naturalization to be fast-tracked for non-citizens who are persecuted minorities from three countries. The Act does not impact in any manner on the status of any citizen of India, or deprive any Indian of any faith of her or his citizenship," the MEA release read. New Delhi has also asked Malaysia "to refrain from commenting on internal developments in India, especially without a right understanding of the facts". According to reports, the Malaysian PM during a summit in Kuala Lumpur made comments on the CAA, criticising the new citizenship law and questioning its "necessity".

Factually inaccurate: India slams Malaysian PM's remarks on CAA 

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP led Central government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that the ruling party has shown utter disregard to the people's voice by using "brute force" to suppress dissent and assured the people that her party is committed to defending their fundamental rights.

"There have been protests in the universities and academic institutions throughout the country against division agenda and anti-people policies of the BJP government. In a democracy, people have the right to raise their voice against policies of the government and register their concerns," said Gandhi in a video message.

"It is the duty of the government to address the people`s concerns. The BJP government has shown utter disregard for the people`s voice and chosen to use brute force to suppress dissent. This is unacceptable in a democracy," she said.

The Congress chief said that the amended Citizenship Act is "discriminatory" and the National Register of Citizens (NRCO) will particularly hurt the poor.

"CAA is discriminatory and proposed nationwide NRC will particularly hurt the poor and vulnerable. Like demonetisation, people will have to stand in line to prove their citizenship along with their ancestors," said she.

"People apprehensions are legitimate. Congress assures the people that it is fully committed to defend their fundamental rights and uphold foundational values of our Constitution," added Gandhi.

Protests erupted across the country over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which seeks to grant citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31, 2014.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP led Central government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that the ruling party has shown utter disregard to the people's voice by using "brute force" to suppress dissent and assured the people that her party is committed to defending their fundamental rights.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP led Central government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that the ruling party has shown utter disregard to the people's voice by using "brute force" to suppress dissent and assured the people that her party is committed to defending their fundamental rights. "There have been protests in the universities and academic institutions throughout the country against division agenda and anti-people policies of the BJP government. In a democracy, people have the right to raise their voice against policies of the government and register their concerns," said Gandhi in a video message. "It is the duty of the government to address the people`s concerns. The BJP government has shown utter disregard for the people`s voice and chosen to use brute force to suppress dissent. This is unacceptable in a democracy," she said. The Congress chief said that the amended Citizenship Act is "discriminatory" and the National Register of Citizens (NRCO) will particularly hurt the poor. "CAA is discriminatory and proposed nationwide NRC will particularly hurt the poor and vulnerable. Like demonetisation, people will have to stand in line to prove their citizenship along with their ancestors," said she. "People apprehensions are legitimate. Congress assures the people that it is fully committed to defend their fundamental rights and uphold foundational values of our Constitution," added Gandhi. Protests erupted across the country over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which seeks to grant citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31, 2014.

Use of brute force to suppress dissent is unacceptable in democracy: Sonia Gandhi

The situation in parts of the national capital on Friday intensified as Delhi Police used water cannons on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-seeks-suggestions-from-protesters-over-anti-caa-protests-269386">anti-CAA protesters</a> in Old Delhi area.&nbsp;

Hundreds of anti-CAA protesters thronged Old Delhi's Jama Masjid area today where Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad led a massive rally against the new citizenship law earlier in the day.&nbsp;

The protest in the evening intensified as protesters - who were marching from Old Delhi to Jantar Mantar - were blocked by the police near Delhi Gate.

A police vehicle was reportedly torched in Daryaganj&nbsp;area by protesters.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Protest continues outside Jama Masjid against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a>. <a href="https://t.co/MCGdYNZfTm">pic.twitter.com/MCGdYNZfTm</a>
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The stir over anti-Citizenship Amendment Act continues in the national capital with Section 144 imposed in some parts and internet blockages in many areas.&nbsp;

The entry and exit at more than 15 stations of the Delhi Metro have also been closed to avoid movement of people and protesters in and around Delhi's strategic locations.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Heavy security deployed in Daryaganj area due to the ongoing protest against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAct</a> <a href="https://t.co/TJF4uDbdKa">https://t.co/TJF4uDbdKa</a> <a href="https://t.co/5OsjMq4mGC">pic.twitter.com/5OsjMq4mGC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1208007437476716545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday closed the entry and exit gates of Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Central Secretariat, Janpath, Mandi House, Pragati Maidan, Khan Market, Dilshad Garden, Shiv Vihar and Johri Enclave on the instructions of security agencies.&nbsp;

Earlier today, the DMRC had closed the Jama Masjid, Delhi Gate, Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, and Jamia Millia Islamia metro stations.

The entry and exit gates of some of the metro stations were shut as a precautionary measure due to the protests at various places against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The Act seeks to grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

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The situation in parts of the national capital on Friday intensified as Delhi Police used water cannons on anti-CAA protesters in Old Delhi area. Hundreds of anti-CAA protesters thronged Old Delhi's Jama Masjid area today where Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad led a massive rally against the new citizenship law earlier in the day.

The situation in parts of the national capital on Friday intensified as Delhi Police used water cannons on anti-CAA protesters in Old Delhi area. Hundreds of anti-CAA protesters thronged Old Delhi's Jama Masjid area today where Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad led a massive rally against the new citizenship law earlier in the day. The protest in the evening intensified as protesters - who were marching from Old Delhi to Jantar Mantar - were blocked by the police near Delhi Gate. A police vehicle was reportedly torched in Daryaganj area by protesters. Delhi: Protest continues outside Jama Masjid against #CitizenshipAmendmentAct. pic.twitter.com/MCGdYNZfTm — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019 × The stir over anti-Citizenship Amendment Act continues in the national capital with Section 144 imposed in some parts and internet blockages in many areas. The entry and exit at more than 15 stations of the Delhi Metro have also been closed to avoid movement of people and protesters in and around Delhi's strategic locations. Delhi: Heavy security deployed in Daryaganj area due to the ongoing protest against #CitizenshipAct https://t.co/TJF4uDbdKa pic.twitter.com/5OsjMq4mGC — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019 × The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday closed the entry and exit gates of Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Central Secretariat, Janpath, Mandi House, Pragati Maidan, Khan Market, Dilshad Garden, Shiv Vihar and Johri Enclave on the instructions of security agencies. Earlier today, the DMRC had closed the Jama Masjid, Delhi Gate, Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, and Jamia Millia Islamia metro stations. The entry and exit gates of some of the metro stations were shut as a precautionary measure due to the protests at various places against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The Act seeks to grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Delhi: Stir over CAA intensifies as Police use water cannons in clash with protesters

Amid uproar over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-why-supreme-court-is-not-likely-to-quash-citizenship-amendment-act-268142">Citizenship Amendment Act</a>, Delhi Police on Friday tightened security in North East Delhi and assured of sufficient force in the national capital to maintain law and order.

"Sufficient force has been deployed including 10 companies of CRPF and RAF in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protest-section-144-imposed-in-delhis-north-east-district-269026">Northeast district</a>. We've held many rounds of meeting with locals. We have deployed drones, anti-riot gear to deal with any kind of situation," said Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police.

On Thursday, police carried out flag march and area domination exercise. Police also held peace committee meetings in several parts of Delhi as a confidence-building measure.

While several parts of the country saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-8-arrested-for-violence-in-delhis-seelampur-zafarabad-areas-269001">violent protests</a>, in other places people were seen protesting in a peaceful manner, particularly at Delhi's Jantar Mantar where the demonstrators sang "Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara" in patriotic fervour.

The Citizenship Amendment Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Amid uproar over Citizenship Amendment Act, Delhi Police on Friday tightened security in North East Delhi and assured of sufficient force in the national capital to maintain law and order.

Amid uproar over Citizenship Amendment Act, Delhi Police on Friday tightened security in North East Delhi and assured of sufficient force in the national capital to maintain law and order. "Sufficient force has been deployed including 10 companies of CRPF and RAF in Northeast district. We've held many rounds of meeting with locals. We have deployed drones, anti-riot gear to deal with any kind of situation," said Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police. On Thursday, police carried out flag march and area domination exercise. Police also held peace committee meetings in several parts of Delhi as a confidence-building measure. While several parts of the country saw violent protests, in other places people were seen protesting in a peaceful manner, particularly at Delhi's Jantar Mantar where the demonstrators sang "Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara" in patriotic fervour. The Citizenship Amendment Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Sufficient force deployed to deal with any kind of situation: Delhi Police

Amid the raging protests over the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/citizenship-amendment-bill-avoidable-controversy-267862"> Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> (CAA), Union Minister for Minority Affairs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mukhtar-abbas-naqvi-those-abusing-pm-narendra-modi-now-insulting-security-forces-205047">Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi </a>on Wednesday stated that "India is a heaven, while Pakistan is a hell for the minorities".

Speaking on the occasion of International Minority Rights Day, Naqvi said: "The minorities in the neighbouring countries have suffered several difficulties, including forceful conversion of religion."

He further stated that there was a conspiracy to create a hateful and toxic environment in the country.

"After CAA was passed, the environment which has been created in the country has been done with a very dangerous mentality. Attempts have been made to divide the country on a social level. Some people have assumed that Muslims cannot live in India, which is untrue. This poisonous environment is fake and fabricated," said Naqvi.

Naqvi further clarified that the Muslim population who have been living in the country for years have nothing to fear from the amended citizenship law.

"The citizenship of Muslims in India is safe and protected. It is our responsibility to spread awareness about the Act, and fight the conspiracy which seeks to disturb the peace of the nation," he said.

Meanwhile, BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain on Wednesday stated that Congress should stop misleading the Muslim population of the country regarding the citizenship law.

"The Act has been introduced to grant citizenship to people, not seize it. Congress has been spreading rumours and lies about the law, which is very unfortunate. We will not let them mislead the Muslims. I appeal to my Muslim brothers to stand against this false information, which has been confusing and misleading them," said Hussain.

Speaking out against NCP leader Nawab Malik, who compared Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-one-bullet-fired-situation-in-kashmir-normal-amit-shah-267372">Amit Shah</a> to British General Reginald Dyer, Hussain demanded that action be taken against him by NCP Chief Sharad Pawar.

"Malik is crossing his limits. These kinds of statements will not be tolerated. General Dyer gunned down hundreds of people, while the CAA does not cause harm to any citizens of India. The opposition is confused and divided over the issue," he asserted.

The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Amid the raging protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday stated that "India is a heaven, while Pakistan is a hell for the minorities".

Amid the raging protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday stated that "India is a heaven, while Pakistan is a hell for the minorities". Speaking on the occasion of International Minority Rights Day, Naqvi said: "The minorities in the neighbouring countries have suffered several difficulties, including forceful conversion of religion." He further stated that there was a conspiracy to create a hateful and toxic environment in the country. "After CAA was passed, the environment which has been created in the country has been done with a very dangerous mentality. Attempts have been made to divide the country on a social level. Some people have assumed that Muslims cannot live in India, which is untrue. This poisonous environment is fake and fabricated," said Naqvi. Naqvi further clarified that the Muslim population who have been living in the country for years have nothing to fear from the amended citizenship law. "The citizenship of Muslims in India is safe and protected. It is our responsibility to spread awareness about the Act, and fight the conspiracy which seeks to disturb the peace of the nation," he said. Meanwhile, BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain on Wednesday stated that Congress should stop misleading the Muslim population of the country regarding the citizenship law. "The Act has been introduced to grant citizenship to people, not seize it. Congress has been spreading rumours and lies about the law, which is very unfortunate. We will not let them mislead the Muslims. I appeal to my Muslim brothers to stand against this false information, which has been confusing and misleading them," said Hussain. Speaking out against NCP leader Nawab Malik, who compared Home Minister Amit Shah to British General Reginald Dyer, Hussain demanded that action be taken against him by NCP Chief Sharad Pawar. "Malik is crossing his limits. These kinds of statements will not be tolerated. General Dyer gunned down hundreds of people, while the CAA does not cause harm to any citizens of India. The opposition is confused and divided over the issue," he asserted. The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

India is heaven, Pakistan a hell for minorities: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

In a bid to shade the protest against the amended Citizenship Act in patriotic fervour, protesters sang "Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara" at Delhi`s Jantar Mantar on Thursday.

Thousands gathered in the heart of the capital and peacefully protested against the new Act.

The protesters waved tricolour and displayed placards demanding rollback of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019.

Hundreds of youth and burqa-clad women joined the protesters who braved the chilling cold to register their dissent against the new legislation and National Register of Citizens (NRC). Famous Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz's 'Hum Dekhenge'&nbsp;also echoed.

Thousands of people cutting across ages participated in the protest. The peaceful protest at the heart of the national capital comes at a time when violent protest leading to arson and damage to public property is witnessed in several parts of the nation.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) grants citizens to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

In a bid to shade the protest against the amended Citizenship Act in patriotic fervour, protesters sang "Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara" at Delhi`s Jantar Mantar on Thursday.

In a bid to shade the protest against the amended Citizenship Act in patriotic fervour, protesters sang "Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara" at Delhi`s Jantar Mantar on Thursday. Thousands gathered in the heart of the capital and peacefully protested against the new Act. The protesters waved tricolour and displayed placards demanding rollback of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019. Hundreds of youth and burqa-clad women joined the protesters who braved the chilling cold to register their dissent against the new legislation and National Register of Citizens (NRC). Famous Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz's 'Hum Dekhenge' also echoed. Thousands of people cutting across ages participated in the protest. The peaceful protest at the heart of the national capital comes at a time when violent protest leading to arson and damage to public property is witnessed in several parts of the nation. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) grants citizens to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.

Anti-CAA protesters sing 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' at Delhi's Jantar Mantar

Internet services have been suspended in Ghaziabad on Thursday night for the next 24 hours following the violent protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act in the state.

The Ghaziabad district administration suspended the services from 10 pm today till 10 pm on December 20.

Meanwhile, internet services have also been snapped in Meerut and Bareilly. Protests erupted in different parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which 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.

Section-144 has been imposed in various parts of the state in view of the prevailing law and order situation.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Internet services have been suspended in Ghaziabad on Thursday night for the next 24 hours following the violent protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act in the state.

Internet services have been suspended in Ghaziabad on Thursday night for the next 24 hours following the violent protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act in the state. The Ghaziabad district administration suspended the services from 10 pm today till 10 pm on December 20. Meanwhile, internet services have also been snapped in Meerut and Bareilly. Protests erupted in different parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which 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. Section-144 has been imposed in various parts of the state in view of the prevailing law and order situation.

Anti-CAA protests: Internet services suspended in Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bareilly

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of telecom service provider Bharti Airtel on Thursday confirmed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/calls-internet-services-suspended-in-parts-of-delhi-amid-protests-over-citizenship-amendment-act-269120">internet services have been blocked in some parts of Delhi</a>.

"We are bound by the order of the government. We are following their order," Mittal told media today.&nbsp;

Bharti Airtel's customer care on Thursday informed its customers that it had suspended voice calls, SMS and internet services in parts of the national capital in the wake of protests across the city against the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

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Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder Chairman, Bharti Airtel, on internet services halted in some parts of Delhi : We are bound by the order of the government. We are following their order. <a href="https://t.co/Q7Qtd6u97H">pic.twitter.com/Q7Qtd6u97H</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207597651140599808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The new law seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

The entire country has been gripped by anti-CAA protests after parts of northeast India, West Bengal and the national capital witnessed violent protests.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of telecom service provider Bharti Airtel on Thursday confirmed that internet services have been blocked in some parts of Delhi.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of telecom service provider Bharti Airtel on Thursday confirmed that internet services have been blocked in some parts of Delhi. "We are bound by the order of the government. We are following their order," Mittal told media today. Bharti Airtel's customer care on Thursday informed its customers that it had suspended voice calls, SMS and internet services in parts of the national capital in the wake of protests across the city against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder Chairman, Bharti Airtel, on internet services halted in some parts of Delhi : We are bound by the order of the government. We are following their order. pic.twitter.com/Q7Qtd6u97H — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2019 × The new law seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The entire country has been gripped by anti-CAA protests after parts of northeast India, West Bengal and the national capital witnessed violent protests.

We're following government order: Bharti Airtel chairman on blocking telecom services in parts of Delhi

The people wanted them to speak and they are voicing their opinion on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), one by one.

We are talking about A-lister Bollywood celebrities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-richa-chadha-anubhav-sinha-other-bollywood-celebs-condemn-police-brutality-over-citizenship-law-268472">Anurag Kashyap, Rajkummar Rao, Taapsee Pannu and others </a>had spoken about the violence on the first day of the student protests while many others including the Khans, Kapoors and Johars and others kept mum on it.&nbsp;Hollywood star John Cusack had also shared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/solidarity-hollywood-star-john-cusack-tweets-in-support-of-student-protest-movement-268588">videos of the assault.&nbsp;</a>

But after yesterday when&nbsp;Hrithik Roshan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hrithik-roshan-breaks-mum-on-student-protests-against-caa-salute-worlds-youngest-democracy-268997">spoke against violence </a>and expressed sadness over brutality on students as they protested against CAA, Priyanka Chopra has also opened up on it now. She took to her Twitter stressing on the need for education and condemning violence against the students.

She wrote, "Education for every child is our dream. Education is what empowered them to think independently. We have raised them to have a voice. In a thriving democracy, to raise one’s voice peacefully and be met with violence is wrong. Every voice counts. And each voice will work towards changing India. #HaveVoiceWillRaise #HaveVoiceMustRaise.”

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— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankachopra/status/1207371989414858752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The tweet makes sense even more as Priyanka Chopra, is also a global UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and works towards the cause of education.&nbsp;

This comes the same day when Kangana Ranaut called out Bollywood celebs for not talking on the CAA. In an interview, she had said, "The actors should be ashamed of themselves. I have no illusions about the fact that Bollywood is full of cowards who are full of themselves. All they do is just look into the mirror 20 times a day and when they’re asked they say we have electricity and we have access to everything, we are privileged, why should we be bothered about the country. Some of them even brag about it, that we are artists, we should not be concerned about the nation, they should be dragged for this and that is why I have come out in the open to question them.”

Meanwhile, Hrithik had tweeted,&nbsp;"As a parent and a citizen of India, I am deeply saddened by the unrest across various educational institutions of our country. I hope and pray for peace to return as soon as possible. Great teachers learn from their students. I salute the words youngest democracy."

The people wanted them to speak and they are voicing their opinion on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), one by one. We are talking about A-lister Bollywood celebrities.

The people wanted them to speak and they are voicing their opinion on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), one by one. We are talking about A-lister Bollywood celebrities. Anurag Kashyap, Rajkummar Rao, Taapsee Pannu and others had spoken about the violence on the first day of the student protests while many others including the Khans, Kapoors and Johars and others kept mum on it. Hollywood star John Cusack had also shared videos of the assault. But after yesterday when Hrithik Roshan spoke against violence and expressed sadness over brutality on students as they protested against CAA, Priyanka Chopra has also opened up on it now. She took to her Twitter stressing on the need for education and condemning violence against the students. She wrote, "Education for every child is our dream. Education is what empowered them to think independently. We have raised them to have a voice. In a thriving democracy, to raise one’s voice peacefully and be met with violence is wrong. Every voice counts. And each voice will work towards changing India. #HaveVoiceWillRaise #HaveVoiceMustRaise.” pic.twitter.com/rA8PmJTRH7 — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) December 18, 2019 × The tweet makes sense even more as Priyanka Chopra, is also a global UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and works towards the cause of education. This comes the same day when Kangana Ranaut called out Bollywood celebs for not talking on the CAA. In an interview, she had said, "The actors should be ashamed of themselves. I have no illusions about the fact that Bollywood is full of cowards who are full of themselves. All they do is just look into the mirror 20 times a day and when they’re asked they say we have electricity and we have access to everything, we are privileged, why should we be bothered about the country. Some of them even brag about it, that we are artists, we should not be concerned about the nation, they should be dragged for this and that is why I have come out in the open to question them.” Meanwhile, Hrithik had tweeted, "As a parent and a citizen of India, I am deeply saddened by the unrest across various educational institutions of our country. I hope and pray for peace to return as soon as possible. Great teachers learn from their students. I salute the words youngest democracy."

Anti-CAA protests: Priyanka Chopra sides with the students, talks of importance of education

India has no refugee policy. It is not a signatory to the UN’s 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee. Now, India avowedly wants to be a refuge for persecuted Hindus in the region and professedly for that purpose has enacted the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

At the same time, the world’s largest democracy is silent on the genocide of Myanmar’s Rohingya, the region’s worst persecuted minority. It fell to The Gambia to take up in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the killing of thousands of Rohingya in Myanmar’s Rakhine state in August 2017. UN investigations suggest that at least 10,000 Rohingya may have been killed in the military crackdown, which saw more than 700,000 Rohingya flee Buddhist-majority Myanmar to Bangladesh.

Yet CAA provides for citizenship – on the basis of religion - to persecuted Buddhists along with Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. In other words, the refugee seeking migrant must be a non-Muslim from a Muslim-majority nation, which Myanmar is not. Neither is Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is home to the largest proportion of Hindu population – 12.6 per cent – outside India. In recent decades, it is in Sri Lanka that the largest number of Hindus (Tamils) – about 2.55 million – has suffered discrimination, denial of their rights and persecution under the majoritarian Sinhalese. It is in Sri Lanka that the highest number of Hindus (Tamils) was killed during the civil war from 1983 to 2009, which claimed nearly1.9 lakh lives including of non-Tamils; and, it is from Sri Lanka that, after 1971, the largest number of Hindu refugees came to India. Tamil Nadu still has a sizable number of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.

However, the Indian government, though explicitly committed to providing refuge to persecuted Hindus in the region, couldn’t care less about Sri Lankan Hindus. To justify their exclusion on the ground that their persecution was linguistic – and not religious – will not wash because they are Hindus as much as they are Tamils. And, as much as the Hindu, the Muslim is also a persecuted minority under the Sinhalese-Buddhist majority in Sri Lanka.

The BJP government has no explanation for this exclusion of minorities (including Hindus) in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It may well be because the Hindi-Hindutva party has no vote bank in Tamil Nadu; and its polarising Hindu-Muslim politics has been rewarded mainly in the cow belt and is making headway in Bengal. In the eastern state, the success of its divisive agenda depends on targeting Bangladesh and “Bangladeshis” in India.

This shift to religion as a basis for citizenship and exclusion of Muslims gives a new, intimidating ring to India’s policy of “neighbours first”. The CAA upturns the very idea of citizenship by rooting it in religion. The CAA, to be followed by the NRC (National Register of Citizens), is about finding people to exclude, not include. The government can give citizenship to anyone and does not need a new law for that. It is to exclude a particular community that the new law has been passed.

Such an extension of divisiveness at home to South Asia as a whole is fraught with serious consequences including long-term damage to India’s reputation, its image as a leading power, its culture of diversity and its credentials as a democracy. Even East Asia’s authoritarian regimes with restricted democracy have taken particular care to maintain their non-discriminatory ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious diversity.&nbsp;

The CAA is an instrument for tyrannising a minority, especially the poor and persecuted in India and South Asia. In adopting such a law, the government has betrayed India’s long history of providing refuge to the persecuted and displaced from neighbouring countries.

Sixty years ago, thousands of Tibetan Buddhists and the Dalai Lama sought refuge in India. During the 1971 war, India was a refuge for lakhs of people from East Pakistan, who returned after the birth of Bangladesh. The India that stood up to the West, including for “liberation of Bangladesh”, and supported struggles against colonialism, imperialism and apartheid was a much poorer country, neither wanted at the world’s high tables nor wooed by the hegemons of the time

Regardless of the party in office – Congress, Janata, National Front-Left Front – and the ideological tilt of leaders, be it Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajiv Gandhi or VP Singh, India supported the cause of the oppressed and uprooted elsewhere; and, stood up for peace, freedom and democracy.

In grace with history, India not only backed peoples’ struggles abroad but was also a safe haven to those who sought refuge and resisted tyrannies in their home countries. Besides the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans, there were others, too, over the decades - refugees and democracy activists from Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma and several African countries, including South Africa.

Traditionally, Europe was home to those fleeing persecution. At a time when London and Paris, for example, were the choice of most political exiles, a young BP Koirala came to Calcutta and led Nepal’s struggle for democracy from Indian soil. History is replete with instances of the powerful pull India’s diversity and democracy exerted on the mind of freedom-loving peoples who resisted dictators, discrimination and oppression.

Doubtless, that India is changing, perhaps disappearing. But now, the very idea of that India and its values are being religiously destroyed by the state itself. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

India has no refugee policy. It is not a signatory to the UN’s 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee. Now, India avowedly wants to be a refuge for persecuted Hindus in the region and professedly for that purpose has enacted the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

India has no refugee policy. It is not a signatory to the UN’s 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee. Now, India avowedly wants to be a refuge for persecuted Hindus in the region and professedly for that purpose has enacted the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). At the same time, the world’s largest democracy is silent on the genocide of Myanmar’s Rohingya, the region’s worst persecuted minority. It fell to The Gambia to take up in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the killing of thousands of Rohingya in Myanmar’s Rakhine state in August 2017. UN investigations suggest that at least 10,000 Rohingya may have been killed in the military crackdown, which saw more than 700,000 Rohingya flee Buddhist-majority Myanmar to Bangladesh. Yet CAA provides for citizenship – on the basis of religion - to persecuted Buddhists along with Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. In other words, the refugee seeking migrant must be a non-Muslim from a Muslim-majority nation, which Myanmar is not. Neither is Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is home to the largest proportion of Hindu population – 12.6 per cent – outside India. In recent decades, it is in Sri Lanka that the largest number of Hindus (Tamils) – about 2.55 million – has suffered discrimination, denial of their rights and persecution under the majoritarian Sinhalese. It is in Sri Lanka that the highest number of Hindus (Tamils) was killed during the civil war from 1983 to 2009, which claimed nearly1.9 lakh lives including of non-Tamils; and, it is from Sri Lanka that, after 1971, the largest number of Hindu refugees came to India. Tamil Nadu still has a sizable number of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. However, the Indian government, though explicitly committed to providing refuge to persecuted Hindus in the region, couldn’t care less about Sri Lankan Hindus. To justify their exclusion on the ground that their persecution was linguistic – and not religious – will not wash because they are Hindus as much as they are Tamils. And, as much as the Hindu, the Muslim is also a persecuted minority under the Sinhalese-Buddhist majority in Sri Lanka. The BJP government has no explanation for this exclusion of minorities (including Hindus) in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It may well be because the Hindi-Hindutva party has no vote bank in Tamil Nadu; and its polarising Hindu-Muslim politics has been rewarded mainly in the cow belt and is making headway in Bengal. In the eastern state, the success of its divisive agenda depends on targeting Bangladesh and “Bangladeshis” in India. This shift to religion as a basis for citizenship and exclusion of Muslims gives a new, intimidating ring to India’s policy of “neighbours first”. The CAA upturns the very idea of citizenship by rooting it in religion. The CAA, to be followed by the NRC (National Register of Citizens), is about finding people to exclude, not include. The government can give citizenship to anyone and does not need a new law for that. It is to exclude a particular community that the new law has been passed. Such an extension of divisiveness at home to South Asia as a whole is fraught with serious consequences including long-term damage to India’s reputation, its image as a leading power, its culture of diversity and its credentials as a democracy. Even East Asia’s authoritarian regimes with restricted democracy have taken particular care to maintain their non-discriminatory ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious diversity. The CAA is an instrument for tyrannising a minority, especially the poor and persecuted in India and South Asia. In adopting such a law, the government has betrayed India’s long history of providing refuge to the persecuted and displaced from neighbouring countries. Sixty years ago, thousands of Tibetan Buddhists and the Dalai Lama sought refuge in India. During the 1971 war, India was a refuge for lakhs of people from East Pakistan, who returned after the birth of Bangladesh. The India that stood up to the West, including for “liberation of Bangladesh”, and supported struggles against colonialism, imperialism and apartheid was a much poorer country, neither wanted at the world’s high tables nor wooed by the hegemons of the time Regardless of the party in office – Congress, Janata, National Front-Left Front – and the ideological tilt of leaders, be it Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajiv Gandhi or VP Singh, India supported the cause of the oppressed and uprooted elsewhere; and, stood up for peace, freedom and democracy. In grace with history, India not only backed peoples’ struggles abroad but was also a safe haven to those who sought refuge and resisted tyrannies in their home countries. Besides the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans, there were others, too, over the decades - refugees and democracy activists from Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma and several African countries, including South Africa. Traditionally, Europe was home to those fleeing persecution. At a time when London and Paris, for example, were the choice of most political exiles, a young BP Koirala came to Calcutta and led Nepal’s struggle for democracy from Indian soil. History is replete with instances of the powerful pull India’s diversity and democracy exerted on the mind of freedom-loving peoples who resisted dictators, discrimination and oppression. Doubtless, that India is changing, perhaps disappearing. But now, the very idea of that India and its values are being religiously destroyed by the state itself. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India: No more refuge for the persecuted

Gujarat police on Wednesday said that they have arrested five fine arts students for allegedly painting graffiti against the newly-enacted citizenship law at public places in Vadodara with the intent to provoke a reaction.&nbsp;

"We have identified seven people for painting graffiti. Five have been arrested so far and the efforts are on to catch the remaining two. We will take further actions as per the law," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sandeep Choudhari said.

He said that the accused are students of fine arts and had planned to provoke reactions against the new citizenship law by painting inflammatory graffiti across the city.

"We have registered an FIR at Raopura police station over the graffiti and taken up the investigation in the matter. We went through the CCTV footage from various places and identified the accused," Choudhari said.

"Since the people of Vadodara are peace-loving, there have not been any protests here. The accused wanted to incite the people," he added.

The police said that no political links have been found in the matter.&nbsp;

Gujarat police on Wednesday said that they have arrested five fine arts students for allegedly painting graffiti against the newly-enacted citizenship law at public places in Vadodara with the intent to provoke a reaction.

Gujarat police on Wednesday said that they have arrested five fine arts students for allegedly painting graffiti against the newly-enacted citizenship law at public places in Vadodara with the intent to provoke a reaction. "We have identified seven people for painting graffiti. Five have been arrested so far and the efforts are on to catch the remaining two. We will take further actions as per the law," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sandeep Choudhari said. He said that the accused are students of fine arts and had planned to provoke reactions against the new citizenship law by painting inflammatory graffiti across the city. "We have registered an FIR at Raopura police station over the graffiti and taken up the investigation in the matter. We went through the CCTV footage from various places and identified the accused," Choudhari said. "Since the people of Vadodara are peace-loving, there have not been any protests here. The accused wanted to incite the people," he added. The police said that no political links have been found in the matter.

Police arrest 5 fine arts students in Vadodara for graffiti against new citizenship law 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan once again threatened nuclear war with India over Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests.

"We are worried there not only could be a refugee crisis in India but that it could lead to a conflict between two nuclear-armed countries," Khan said.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the new law is creating a refugee crisis in India, adding that millions of Muslims could flee away from India because of the curfew imposed in Kashmir.

Pakistani PM mentioned the two nuclear-armed countries, implying a clear message of threat to assert that if India provokes Pakistan - Islamabad will not hesitate to use its nuclear weapons. 
&nbsp; 
India was quick to react to Pakistani Prime Minister's comment, with the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar claiming that Khan was spreading falsehoods. 
&nbsp; 
"Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again peddled familiar falsehoods at a multilateral platform to advance his narrow political agenda on matters entirely internal to India," Kumar said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Indian ministry of foreign affairs also pointed out the state of minorities in Pakistan. 
&nbsp; 
"It should now be clear to the entire world that this is an established pattern of his habitual and compulsive abuse of global forums," said Kumar.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Kumar added that over the past 72 years - the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has systematically persecuted all of its minorities, forcing most of them to flee to India.

The Citizenship Act seeks to amend the definition of an illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan once again threatened nuclear war with India over Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests. "We are worried there not only could be a refugee crisis in India but that it could lead to a conflict between two nuclear-armed countries," Khan said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan once again threatened nuclear war with India over Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests. "We are worried there not only could be a refugee crisis in India but that it could lead to a conflict between two nuclear-armed countries," Khan said. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the new law is creating a refugee crisis in India, adding that millions of Muslims could flee away from India because of the curfew imposed in Kashmir. Pakistani PM mentioned the two nuclear-armed countries, implying a clear message of threat to assert that if India provokes Pakistan - Islamabad will not hesitate to use its nuclear weapons. India was quick to react to Pakistani Prime Minister's comment, with the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar claiming that Khan was spreading falsehoods. "Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again peddled familiar falsehoods at a multilateral platform to advance his narrow political agenda on matters entirely internal to India," Kumar said. The Indian ministry of foreign affairs also pointed out the state of minorities in Pakistan. "It should now be clear to the entire world that this is an established pattern of his habitual and compulsive abuse of global forums," said Kumar. Kumar added that over the past 72 years - the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has systematically persecuted all of its minorities, forcing most of them to flee to India. The Citizenship Act seeks to amend the definition of an illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan once again issues nuclear threat to India, this time over Citizenship (Amendment) Act

It's rare to see a Bollywood A-lister open up on the ongoing demonstrations by students at various educational institutes of the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act. After Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Taapsee Pannu, Anurag Kashyap and many other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-richa-chadha-anubhav-sinha-other-bollywood-celebs-condemn-police-brutality-over-citizenship-law-268472">Bollywood actors and filmmakers spoke against police brutality</a> on students, Hrithik Roshan is the latest to join the list.

In a tweet, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hrithik-roshan-tops-uk-magazines-annual-sexiest-asian-male-list-266315">Hrithik </a>addressed the ongoing issue and wrote, "As a parent and a citizen of India, I am deeply saddened by the unrest across various educational institutions of our country. I hope and pray for peace to return as soon as possible. Great teachers learn from their students. I salute the words youngest democracy."

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As a parent and a citizen of india , I am deeply saddened by the unrest across various educational institutions of our country. I hope and pray for peace to return as soon as possible. Great teachers learn from their students. I salute the worlds youngest democracy.
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/1207269326941806592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Hrithik, however, chose to steer clear of mentioning Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) -- the reason why students started protesting against, in the first place.&nbsp;

Noted personalities from the Malayalam film industry have also&nbsp;spoken up against the central government's decision to roll out the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Hollywood actor John Cusack also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/solidarity-hollywood-star-john-cusack-tweets-in-support-of-student-protest-movement-268588">spoke against violence</a> as he shared viral videos of students being heckled and mistreated by the police.&nbsp;

It's rare to see a Bollywood A-lister open up on the ongoing demonstrations by students at various educational institutes of the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

It's rare to see a Bollywood A-lister open up on the ongoing demonstrations by students at various educational institutes of the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act. After Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Taapsee Pannu, Anurag Kashyap and many other Bollywood actors and filmmakers spoke against police brutality on students, Hrithik Roshan is the latest to join the list. In a tweet, Hrithik addressed the ongoing issue and wrote, "As a parent and a citizen of India, I am deeply saddened by the unrest across various educational institutions of our country. I hope and pray for peace to return as soon as possible. Great teachers learn from their students. I salute the words youngest democracy." As a parent and a citizen of india , I am deeply saddened by the unrest across various educational institutions of our country. I hope and pray for peace to return as soon as possible. Great teachers learn from their students. I salute the worlds youngest democracy. — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) December 18, 2019 × Hrithik, however, chose to steer clear of mentioning Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) -- the reason why students started protesting against, in the first place. Noted personalities from the Malayalam film industry have also spoken up against the central government's decision to roll out the Citizenship Amendment Act. Hollywood actor John Cusack also spoke against violence as he shared viral videos of students being heckled and mistreated by the police.

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In India protests are erupting against the amended Citizenship Act in different parts of the country. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Protests continue in India over Citizenship Act