The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday summoned the Malaysian Charge d’Affaires to lodge a solemn protest over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-says-muslim-nations-considering-trade-through-gold-barter-system-to-avoid-sanctions-269452">remarks made by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir</a> Bin Mohamad over the Citizenship Amendment Act, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources. &nbsp;

"It was conveyed that such remarks are neither in keeping with the accepted diplomatic practice of non-interference in each other's internal affairs nor with the state of our bilateral relations," government sources said on the matter.&nbsp;

"It was also conveyed that such remarks are both ill-informed and insensitive. Malaysia was asked to take a long-term and strategic view of the bilateral relations," sources added.&nbsp;

India has slammed Malaysian PM for his comments on the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

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Government Sources: The Malaysian Charge d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today, in order to lodge a solemn protest over the remarks made by the Malaysian PM in Kuala Lumpur today at the press briefing. (1/3)
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1208334700760035328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "Prime Minister of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-fallout-member-of-malaysian-central-government-coalition-says-pm-mahathir-has-overreacted-269450">Malaysia’s comment is factually inaccurate</a>" and New Delhi "calls upon Malaysia to refrain from commenting on internal developments in India, especially without a right understanding of the facts."

Malaysian PM has reacted over India's CAA law twice in the past.&nbsp;

On Saturday morning Mohamad again commented on the law saying it is unfortunate and "to exclude Muslims from becoming citizens even by due process is unfair. Have voiced our disagreement".

Mahathir was among the few global leaders, along with Turkey's President Erdoğan who were critical of New Delhi after it removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday summoned the Malaysian Charge d’Affaires to lodge a solemn protest over the remarks made by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad over the Citizenship Amendment Act, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday summoned the Malaysian Charge d’Affaires to lodge a solemn protest over the remarks made by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad over the Citizenship Amendment Act, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources. "It was conveyed that such remarks are neither in keeping with the accepted diplomatic practice of non-interference in each other's internal affairs nor with the state of our bilateral relations," government sources said on the matter. "It was also conveyed that such remarks are both ill-informed and insensitive. Malaysia was asked to take a long-term and strategic view of the bilateral relations," sources added. India has slammed Malaysian PM for his comments on the Citizenship Amendment Act. Government Sources: The Malaysian Charge d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today, in order to lodge a solemn protest over the remarks made by the Malaysian PM in Kuala Lumpur today at the press briefing. (1/3) — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2019 × The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "Prime Minister of Malaysia’s comment is factually inaccurate" and New Delhi "calls upon Malaysia to refrain from commenting on internal developments in India, especially without a right understanding of the facts." Malaysian PM has reacted over India's CAA law twice in the past. On Saturday morning Mohamad again commented on the law saying it is unfortunate and "to exclude Muslims from becoming citizens even by due process is unfair. Have voiced our disagreement". Mahathir was among the few global leaders, along with Turkey's President Erdoğan who were critical of New Delhi after it removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Protest lodged with Malaysia over PM Mahathir Mohamad's remarks on citizenship law: MEA

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 Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

The development comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-amendment-act-protests-3-killed-section-144-imposed-in-several-districts-of-uttar-pradesh-269311">protesters across the country took to the streets</a> against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Students, activists, among others have been voicing their dissent against the new Act amid heavy security.&nbsp;

Section 144 has been imposed in many parts of the country while internet services have also been affected in some areas.&nbsp;

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MHA sources on people protesting on roads against CAA: We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But they have the right to go to court &amp; people have right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give, we're in process of framing the rule. <a href="https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q">https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207974728083759106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources have said that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act is under the Central government's control and will finalise who all will be involved in the enforcement of legislation, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Implementation of the Act is under centre. We will finalise who all will be involved in implementation. It will be a digital and easy process so that people don't face any problem," MHA sources on some states denying implementation of the new citizenship law.

Sources said that the ministry is in the process of framing rules for CAA and people can give their suggestions.

"We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But, they have the right to go to the court and the people have the right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give. We`re in process of framing the rule," they said on the protests against CAA adding that the CAA will not affect the Indian citizens.&nbsp;

"If any country has illegal migrants than the government has the right to through them out anyway," sources said on international bodies' reaction on CAA.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act. The development comes after protesters across the country took to the streets against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act. The development comes after protesters across the country took to the streets against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Students, activists, among others have been voicing their dissent against the new Act amid heavy security. Section 144 has been imposed in many parts of the country while internet services have also been affected in some areas. MHA sources on people protesting on roads against CAA: We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But they have the right to go to court & people have right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give, we're in process of framing the rule. https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources have said that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act is under the Central government's control and will finalise who all will be involved in the enforcement of legislation, news agency ANI reported. "Implementation of the Act is under centre. We will finalise who all will be involved in implementation. It will be a digital and easy process so that people don't face any problem," MHA sources on some states denying implementation of the new citizenship law. Sources said that the ministry is in the process of framing rules for CAA and people can give their suggestions. "We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But, they have the right to go to the court and the people have the right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give. We`re in process of framing the rule," they said on the protests against CAA adding that the CAA will not affect the Indian citizens. "If any country has illegal migrants than the government has the right to through them out anyway," sources said on international bodies' reaction on CAA. (With inputs from ANI)

Centre seeks suggestions from protesters over Citizenship Amendment Act

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that a meeting against National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be held on December 23 in all the sub-division headquarters of the state.

"'No NRC &amp; No CAB'&nbsp;meeting will be held on 23rd December in all the sub-division headquarters of the state. All the party leaders have been informed," Mamata Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister asserted that all the party leaders have been informed regarding the meeting.

"BJP is planning to malign my image by creating fake videos and spreading false information," said Banerjee.

On her statement - 'Let an impartial organisation like UN or Human Rights Commission form a committee to see how many people are in favour or against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)', Banerjee said,&nbsp;"I mentioned only opinion poll. I said the Human Rights Commission and the UN are impartial institutions." she added.

The Chief Minister further said, "Let there be planning with experts of my country. They must organise an opinion poll and the Human Rights Commission must take care of what's going on. I said the UN must watch, also said this about the National Human Rights Commission. Let them see if people are accepting this or not."

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.

Protests erupted in different parts of the country over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which 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.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that a meeting against National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be held on December 23 in all the sub-division headquarters of the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that a meeting against National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be held on December 23 in all the sub-division headquarters of the state. "'No NRC & No CAB' meeting will be held on 23rd December in all the sub-division headquarters of the state. All the party leaders have been informed," Mamata Banerjee said. The Chief Minister asserted that all the party leaders have been informed regarding the meeting. "BJP is planning to malign my image by creating fake videos and spreading false information," said Banerjee. On her statement - 'Let an impartial organisation like UN or Human Rights Commission form a committee to see how many people are in favour or against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)', Banerjee said, "I mentioned only opinion poll. I said the Human Rights Commission and the UN are impartial institutions." she added. The Chief Minister further said, "Let there be planning with experts of my country. They must organise an opinion poll and the Human Rights Commission must take care of what's going on. I said the UN must watch, also said this about the National Human Rights Commission. Let them see if people are accepting this or not." 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. Protests erupted in different parts of the country over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which 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.

'No NRC, No CAB' meet on December 23: Mamata Banerjee

Tackling violence with an iron hand is a necessity, but what explains stifling peaceful civil disobedience? It's time for the government to realise that with absolute majority comes more responsibility.

The ruling party was called the master of communication, they aced social media, they were on top of the curve when it came to digital messaging.

And now their government is failing to quell a protest that is spreading through social media. So what do they do? Shut the Internet?

Section 144 of the criminal procedure code is being imposed and implemented in various cities where protests are being held against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The government has a mandate to enact and pass laws - even controversial ones - but, if government agencies stifle peaceful protests, then it betrays their lack of confidence.

On WION Edit, we discuss why this isn't just about a bill anymore. There is a much bigger issue to be addressed.

It's important to address the issue of illegal migrants in India. But the absolute majority should not allow a government to force a law, whose constitutional validity is now sub-judice and suppress any opposition to the law.

If people protest a controversial law in a peaceful manner, what is the problem? Why should civil disobedience warrant the arrest of scholars? Should the government stifle the voices of protesters or listen to them?&nbsp;

The government is losing control on the narrative. Even its traditional supporters in the civil society are calling this move the proverbial last straw.

So what should the government do? After all, it got the Bill cleared in Parliament with the due procedure. It should wait for the Supreme Court hearing, allow peaceful protests, prevent violence, and most importantly, address the concerns of the people.

It will help in two ways:

&nbsp;1. Shed the perception that the government is partial and muscular.

2. Send out a strong message on the health of our democracy to the people of India and the rest of the world.

It should be reiterated that the levers of Indian democracy are thriving and well oiled and the judiciary will decide on constitutional matters.

The government's brazen and aggressive posturing on CAA&nbsp;has attracted criticism even external players are exploiting the situation to peddle lies about India.

The government can solve this by allowing, ensuring and facilitating peaceful protests.&nbsp;

The absolute majority may allow governments to pass laws, but implementation can only be achieved with public participation.

The people of India voted the BJP back to power in May 2019 with overwhelming numbers. However, a big mandate does not mean absolute power - if anything - it means more responsibility.

If some citizens want to register dissent, then a responsible government should allow such protests. Dissent is good for democracy, to gag these voices sets us on a dangerous path. This country was founded upon and has been built on civil disobedience.

And remember, Section 144 of the CRPC is not a tool of suppression of dissent. It is meant to be used when there is an emergency situation. Let there be calm, let there be peaceful protests.

There's a thin line between being decisive and being dictatorial. The government must ensure it's not crossing that line. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Tackling violence with an iron hand is a necessity, but what explains stifling peaceful civil disobedience? It's time for the government to realise that with absolute majority comes more responsibility.

Tackling violence with an iron hand is a necessity, but what explains stifling peaceful civil disobedience? It's time for the government to realise that with absolute majority comes more responsibility. The ruling party was called the master of communication, they aced social media, they were on top of the curve when it came to digital messaging. And now their government is failing to quell a protest that is spreading through social media. So what do they do? Shut the Internet? Section 144 of the criminal procedure code is being imposed and implemented in various cities where protests are being held against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The government has a mandate to enact and pass laws - even controversial ones - but, if government agencies stifle peaceful protests, then it betrays their lack of confidence. On WION Edit, we discuss why this isn't just about a bill anymore. There is a much bigger issue to be addressed. It's important to address the issue of illegal migrants in India. But the absolute majority should not allow a government to force a law, whose constitutional validity is now sub-judice and suppress any opposition to the law. If people protest a controversial law in a peaceful manner, what is the problem? Why should civil disobedience warrant the arrest of scholars? Should the government stifle the voices of protesters or listen to them? The government is losing control on the narrative. Even its traditional supporters in the civil society are calling this move the proverbial last straw. So what should the government do? After all, it got the Bill cleared in Parliament with the due procedure. It should wait for the Supreme Court hearing, allow peaceful protests, prevent violence, and most importantly, address the concerns of the people. It will help in two ways: 1. Shed the perception that the government is partial and muscular. 2. Send out a strong message on the health of our democracy to the people of India and the rest of the world. It should be reiterated that the levers of Indian democracy are thriving and well oiled and the judiciary will decide on constitutional matters. The government's brazen and aggressive posturing on CAA has attracted criticism even external players are exploiting the situation to peddle lies about India. The government can solve this by allowing, ensuring and facilitating peaceful protests. The absolute majority may allow governments to pass laws, but implementation can only be achieved with public participation. The people of India voted the BJP back to power in May 2019 with overwhelming numbers. However, a big mandate does not mean absolute power - if anything - it means more responsibility. If some citizens want to register dissent, then a responsible government should allow such protests. Dissent is good for democracy, to gag these voices sets us on a dangerous path. This country was founded upon and has been built on civil disobedience. And remember, Section 144 of the CRPC is not a tool of suppression of dissent. It is meant to be used when there is an emergency situation. Let there be calm, let there be peaceful protests. There's a thin line between being decisive and being dictatorial. The government must ensure it's not crossing that line. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Citizenship Amendment Act - absolute power comes with responsibility

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

Protesters remained undeterred by the imposition of Prohibitory Orders in the city of Bengaluru as they took to the streets from Thursday morning to demonstrate against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

Despite the imposition of Section 144 in the city, that prevents the gathering of groups of more than 4 members in public places, protesters gathered with placards and roses for what they called a peaceful demonstration. Several agitators were detained, including noted historian Ramachandra Guha.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"The government is giving these orders to arrest protesters. We are protesting peacefully against this discriminatory Act passed by the Central Government. But look at what is happening. Do you see any violence here? Why are the police behaving in such a manner?" said Guha before being taken away by the police. Several civic activists and students were also detained as police were given orders to not allow big gathering up until December 21.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Rajeev Gowda, Rajya Sabha MP has filed a PIL in the Karnataka High Court saying the petitioners have the right to protest and assemble peacefully which is protected under Article 19 (1) of the constitution.&nbsp;

"It is a total abuse of power. The commissioner has been badly advised. The Home Secretary should have advised him properly. Section 144 has to be imposed only when there is an incitement for violence. None of that has happened here. People are peacefully protesting. People have come here to exercise their right to protest under the Constitution and to say the Constitution matters to them. If the parliament has passed a bill without discussing with the people of India, people are upset. That's why they are out and if you go and arrest them, how are you going to call this a democracy anymore. This is declaring an emergency without calling it that," said environmentalist Leo Saldanha.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Protesters belonging to a multitude of civic organisations continued to pour into the city's Townhall to participate in the demonstrations.&nbsp;

Dramatic scenes were witnessed as many of the peaceful protesters were forcibly carried into police vehicles and detained at different stations.&nbsp;

"We came here from the National Law School of India for a silent protest. We are sitting silently across the road. Around 30 of my colleagues were loaded into a bus and taken away. I do not know where they are. One of them was manhandled. We were not doing anything," said Hamza, a student from the National Law School of India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
IIM Bangalore has decided to stage a unique agitation to circumvent Section 144 imposed by the city police. At any point in time, just three protesters will stage a demonstration outside the IIM-B gates and the protesters will rotate every few minutes.&nbsp;

"Section 144 allows groups of 3-4 to take turns to protest. Some of us are organizing a protest where three IIM-B members will take turns to protest. We will be at the IIM-B main gate at 6:00 pm. At any given time only three of us are going to be outside the main gate. We will be within the bounds of Section 144 and yet register our protest against the divisive CAA-NRC, the police brutality against Jamia and AMU students, and the arbitrary imposition of "144" and arrests across the country,’ read a mail circulated within the IIM-B community.&nbsp;

Protests erupted in Kalburgi and Mangalore districts as well despite the prohibitory orders in place. Protesters are awaiting the hearing on the PIL against the imposition of Section 144 which they believe curtails their right to peaceful demonstration and free speech.&nbsp;

Protesters remained undeterred by the imposition of Prohibitory Orders in the city of Bengaluru as they took to the streets from Thursday morning to demonstrate against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act.

Protesters remained undeterred by the imposition of Prohibitory Orders in the city of Bengaluru as they took to the streets from Thursday morning to demonstrate against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act. Despite the imposition of Section 144 in the city, that prevents the gathering of groups of more than 4 members in public places, protesters gathered with placards and roses for what they called a peaceful demonstration. Several agitators were detained, including noted historian Ramachandra Guha. "The government is giving these orders to arrest protesters. We are protesting peacefully against this discriminatory Act passed by the Central Government. But look at what is happening. Do you see any violence here? Why are the police behaving in such a manner?" said Guha before being taken away by the police. Several civic activists and students were also detained as police were given orders to not allow big gathering up until December 21. Rajeev Gowda, Rajya Sabha MP has filed a PIL in the Karnataka High Court saying the petitioners have the right to protest and assemble peacefully which is protected under Article 19 (1) of the constitution. "It is a total abuse of power. The commissioner has been badly advised. The Home Secretary should have advised him properly. Section 144 has to be imposed only when there is an incitement for violence. None of that has happened here. People are peacefully protesting. People have come here to exercise their right to protest under the Constitution and to say the Constitution matters to them. If the parliament has passed a bill without discussing with the people of India, people are upset. That's why they are out and if you go and arrest them, how are you going to call this a democracy anymore. This is declaring an emergency without calling it that," said environmentalist Leo Saldanha. Protesters belonging to a multitude of civic organisations continued to pour into the city's Townhall to participate in the demonstrations. Dramatic scenes were witnessed as many of the peaceful protesters were forcibly carried into police vehicles and detained at different stations. "We came here from the National Law School of India for a silent protest. We are sitting silently across the road. Around 30 of my colleagues were loaded into a bus and taken away. I do not know where they are. One of them was manhandled. We were not doing anything," said Hamza, a student from the National Law School of India. IIM Bangalore has decided to stage a unique agitation to circumvent Section 144 imposed by the city police. At any point in time, just three protesters will stage a demonstration outside the IIM-B gates and the protesters will rotate every few minutes. "Section 144 allows groups of 3-4 to take turns to protest. Some of us are organizing a protest where three IIM-B members will take turns to protest. We will be at the IIM-B main gate at 6:00 pm. At any given time only three of us are going to be outside the main gate. We will be within the bounds of Section 144 and yet register our protest against the divisive CAA-NRC, the police brutality against Jamia and AMU students, and the arbitrary imposition of "144" and arrests across the country,’ read a mail circulated within the IIM-B community. Protests erupted in Kalburgi and Mangalore districts as well despite the prohibitory orders in place. Protesters are awaiting the hearing on the PIL against the imposition of Section 144 which they believe curtails their right to peaceful demonstration and free speech.

Anti-CAA protests: Bengaluru erupts, defies section 144

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>
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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

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

Section-144, which prohibits the gathering of five or more people, has been imposed in the North East District of Delhi, a day after an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest had turned violent in Seelampur area.

A police party carried out patrolling in Seelampur earlier today morning. A total of six people were arrested in connection with the anti-citizenship law demonstration in Seelampur.

Raids are being conducted to apprehend some other people who have also been identified, police said.

The anti-CAA protest turned violent in the area, forcing police to use tear gas shells to disperse the protestors, who torched two buses on Tuesday.

The police also stopped vehicular movement on the road, which connects Seelampur with Jafrabad, due to the demonstration.

The protest in Seelampur came days after the clashes between police and protesters in Jamia Millia Islamia over the citizenship law.

The CAA grants citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have appealed to the people to maintain peace and tranquillity.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Section-144, which prohibits the gathering of five or more people, has been imposed in the North East District of Delhi, a day after an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest had turned violent in Seelampur area.

Section-144, which prohibits the gathering of five or more people, has been imposed in the North East District of Delhi, a day after an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest had turned violent in Seelampur area. A police party carried out patrolling in Seelampur earlier today morning. A total of six people were arrested in connection with the anti-citizenship law demonstration in Seelampur. Raids are being conducted to apprehend some other people who have also been identified, police said. The anti-CAA protest turned violent in the area, forcing police to use tear gas shells to disperse the protestors, who torched two buses on Tuesday. The police also stopped vehicular movement on the road, which connects Seelampur with Jafrabad, due to the demonstration. The protest in Seelampur came days after the clashes between police and protesters in Jamia Millia Islamia over the citizenship law. The CAA grants citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have appealed to the people to maintain peace and tranquillity.

Anti-CAA protest: Section-144 imposed in Delhi's North East District

Bollywood stars have broken their silence on the protests against amended Citizenship Act in India.

WION Dispatch: Bollywood stars remain divided on Citizenship Act protests

At least 59 petitions has been filed by political parties, students and, lawyers in Supreme Court against the Amended Citizenship Act in India.

WION Dispatch: 59 petitions filed in Supreme Court against Amended Citizenship Act

BJP by unilaterally announcing NRC has created a situation whereby people are not willing to believe an IOTA of what the government is saying about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In fact, CAA is being associated with NRC which has not even been conceived on the paper.

The question is whether NRC is an ideological exercise or simple administrative drive to map the population of the country. Absence of clarity on it has led to campus violence across the country and widespread condemnation of the legislative exercise.

The most important aspect of the protest is that they are leaderless. It is for this reason, the government must have a dialogue with people even if it feels that anger is misplaced. It will help the Centre bypass political actors who are stoking violence in the name of rights.

The impression is that Centre wants to turn NRC into an electoral issue which would ultimately lead to harassment of 14 crore Muslims. This argument has become central to the protests cutting across universities in India. CAA instead of accommodating persecuted minorities, has turned into a debate on changing the character of the Constitution. It must be contested and clarified.

Another notable point is that it is not the first time that campus violence has erupted on ideological issues during Modi’s tenure. It has happened thrice before. The only difference between the previous protests and the present outcry is that the latter has galvanised the entire Muslim community.

Rohith Vemula suicide case, JNU Kashmir protest and FTII were used by the Opposition to mobilise opinion against Narendra Modi but in all 3 cases, a strong counter polarisation took place.

TheBJP was able to escape with the issue of nationalism in the case of JNU. In FTII case, it was able to garner support from Bollywood and divide it vertically on ideological lines whereas in the case of Vemula, Narendra Modi’s strong Dalit pitch resulted in the split of Dalit votes in Uttar Pradesh leading to BJP’s sweep in the assembly elections. Many senior politicians ran towards campus to own&nbsp;the campaign. This is missing in the 4th campaign.

None of the mainstream politicians went to Jamia fearing that photographs with the Muslims community would further polarise the debate. Even Priyanka Gandhi went to India Gate and sat on a dharna on the issue of CAA. Rahul Gandhi too extended support only via Twitter and the rest of politicians have chosen to meet the President of India. So, despite the support, mainstream political parties, except Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, have kept a distance from campus protests.&nbsp;

But, BJP must understand that countering Muslim exceptionalism in policies is one thing, and to marginalise them as ‘political’ citizens is another. It is not possible for any nation to have a disgruntled population of 14 crore.

Though, BJP is right in saying that all the decisions were passed by Parliament and kept in public domain from 2016 onwards. The issue even figured in the party’s manifesto, and hence, BJP cannot be blamed for pushing an agenda without letting the world know. But even then, the party needs to nuance the message.&nbsp;

This brings us to the last aspect of the issue which is illegal immigration in the country. Centre will need to readdress it's strategy wherein the policy of identifying illegal immigrants does not turn into a witch hunt. During the infamous Emergency, the family control drive by Congress led to a severe political backlash for Indira Gandhi. Centre needs to be mindful of the issue.&nbsp;

The call for nationwide NRC has even impacted the court-authored drive of NRC in Assam which was born out of Assam Accord authored by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The North East continues to suffer illegal immigration from Bangladesh. The illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims immigration is a real problem for India. It impacts demography and creates electoral anomalies. Illegal immigrants have changed the shape of constituencies in North East, West Bengal and even deep inside Jharkhand.

But the argument of a national NRC has rattled the minorities. BJP will need to soothe the frayed nerves.&nbsp; 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP by unilaterally announcing NRC has created a situation whereby people are not willing to believe an IOTA of what the government is saying about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

BJP by unilaterally announcing NRC has created a situation whereby people are not willing to believe an IOTA of what the government is saying about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In fact, CAA is being associated with NRC which has not even been conceived on the paper. The question is whether NRC is an ideological exercise or simple administrative drive to map the population of the country. Absence of clarity on it has led to campus violence across the country and widespread condemnation of the legislative exercise. The most important aspect of the protest is that they are leaderless. It is for this reason, the government must have a dialogue with people even if it feels that anger is misplaced. It will help the Centre bypass political actors who are stoking violence in the name of rights. The impression is that Centre wants to turn NRC into an electoral issue which would ultimately lead to harassment of 14 crore Muslims. This argument has become central to the protests cutting across universities in India. CAA instead of accommodating persecuted minorities, has turned into a debate on changing the character of the Constitution. It must be contested and clarified. Another notable point is that it is not the first time that campus violence has erupted on ideological issues during Modi’s tenure. It has happened thrice before. The only difference between the previous protests and the present outcry is that the latter has galvanised the entire Muslim community. Rohith Vemula suicide case, JNU Kashmir protest and FTII were used by the Opposition to mobilise opinion against Narendra Modi but in all 3 cases, a strong counter polarisation took place. TheBJP was able to escape with the issue of nationalism in the case of JNU. In FTII case, it was able to garner support from Bollywood and divide it vertically on ideological lines whereas in the case of Vemula, Narendra Modi’s strong Dalit pitch resulted in the split of Dalit votes in Uttar Pradesh leading to BJP’s sweep in the assembly elections. Many senior politicians ran towards campus to own the campaign. This is missing in the 4th campaign. None of the mainstream politicians went to Jamia fearing that photographs with the Muslims community would further polarise the debate. Even Priyanka Gandhi went to India Gate and sat on a dharna on the issue of CAA. Rahul Gandhi too extended support only via Twitter and the rest of politicians have chosen to meet the President of India. So, despite the support, mainstream political parties, except Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, have kept a distance from campus protests. But, BJP must understand that countering Muslim exceptionalism in policies is one thing, and to marginalise them as ‘political’ citizens is another. It is not possible for any nation to have a disgruntled population of 14 crore. Though, BJP is right in saying that all the decisions were passed by Parliament and kept in public domain from 2016 onwards. The issue even figured in the party’s manifesto, and hence, BJP cannot be blamed for pushing an agenda without letting the world know. But even then, the party needs to nuance the message. This brings us to the last aspect of the issue which is illegal immigration in the country. Centre will need to readdress it's strategy wherein the policy of identifying illegal immigrants does not turn into a witch hunt. During the infamous Emergency, the family control drive by Congress led to a severe political backlash for Indira Gandhi. Centre needs to be mindful of the issue. The call for nationwide NRC has even impacted the court-authored drive of NRC in Assam which was born out of Assam Accord authored by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The North East continues to suffer illegal immigration from Bangladesh. The illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims immigration is a real problem for India. It impacts demography and creates electoral anomalies. Illegal immigrants have changed the shape of constituencies in North East, West Bengal and even deep inside Jharkhand. But the argument of a national NRC has rattled the minorities. BJP will need to soothe the frayed nerves. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

CAA and NRC protests: Addressing concerns of protesters a must for government

The world is watching violent scenes playing out in India and the reaction is not favourable. Many countries have raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) while a UN agency calls it 'fundamentally discriminatory'.

On WION Edit, we discuss the implications of the debate and the protests.

The biggest culprit is politics. When you politicise NRC to win an election without consulting the stakeholders, you're asking for trouble.

The NRC exercise is a sensitive one, politics must have been kept out of it. Second, such decisions cannot be imposed. they impact lives.

The protests are proof that the indigenous people in these states were not consulted properly.

When decisions like the amendment in Citizenship Law are taken without consensus, they lead to chaos. Assam has already seen it in the late 70s and early 80s.

And then the Assam accord was signed. Now 34 years later, there are protests again. This exposes the fault lines in Indian politics.

Meanwhile, it is a constitutionally valid right to protest. Dissent, civil disobedience and protests - these are the bedrocks on which Indian democracy was founded and built.

But the protest has a limit and protesters have a responsibility, they cannot and should not resort to violence.

The moment you do that, you are on the wrong side of law and must face action.

Protesters must know they run the risk of being used as proxies by vested interests. Such interests can be political, they can be foreign as well.

Case in point-- the Jamia Millia University protests in Delhi.

The students were protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act and they have every right to do so. But when buses are burnt and public order is disrupted, then the police will step in - it's their job.

Did the police overstep? Did they use more force than was needed? why did they fire teargas in a college library? These are questions that must be thoroughly probed.

The Citizenship Amendment Act and the NRC are serious nuanced issues. They shouldn't be reduced to the police versus protesters situation.&nbsp;

The government that passes acts without due consultation, an opposition that wants to politicise 'sensitive' matters, trigger-happy leaders from all parties - ever too ready to stir the pot with 'volatile' comments, and a country whose economic growth is slipping - this is not a good combination.

Left unchecked, these protests could precipitate India's journey to doom. It's time for the government to be open - to listen to the protesters. It's also time for the courts to step in and take stern, quick decisions.

India's growth story was founded on peace, diversity and co-existence. All the stakeholders, and that includes the public, should keep their emotions in check.&nbsp;

Those who damage public property in the name of protests must be identified and booked. Those who use excessive force in uniform - must also face the music.

The first priority must be restoring public order. Because without peace, there can be no debate, no forward movement.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp;

The world is watching violent scenes playing out in India and the reaction is not favourable. Many countries have raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) while a UN agency calls it 'fundamentally discriminatory'.

The world is watching violent scenes playing out in India and the reaction is not favourable. Many countries have raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) while a UN agency calls it 'fundamentally discriminatory'. On WION Edit, we discuss the implications of the debate and the protests. The biggest culprit is politics. When you politicise NRC to win an election without consulting the stakeholders, you're asking for trouble. The NRC exercise is a sensitive one, politics must have been kept out of it. Second, such decisions cannot be imposed. they impact lives. The protests are proof that the indigenous people in these states were not consulted properly. When decisions like the amendment in Citizenship Law are taken without consensus, they lead to chaos. Assam has already seen it in the late 70s and early 80s. And then the Assam accord was signed. Now 34 years later, there are protests again. This exposes the fault lines in Indian politics. Meanwhile, it is a constitutionally valid right to protest. Dissent, civil disobedience and protests - these are the bedrocks on which Indian democracy was founded and built. But the protest has a limit and protesters have a responsibility, they cannot and should not resort to violence. The moment you do that, you are on the wrong side of law and must face action. Protesters must know they run the risk of being used as proxies by vested interests. Such interests can be political, they can be foreign as well. Case in point-- the Jamia Millia University protests in Delhi. The students were protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act and they have every right to do so. But when buses are burnt and public order is disrupted, then the police will step in - it's their job. Did the police overstep? Did they use more force than was needed? why did they fire teargas in a college library? These are questions that must be thoroughly probed. The Citizenship Amendment Act and the NRC are serious nuanced issues. They shouldn't be reduced to the police versus protesters situation. The government that passes acts without due consultation, an opposition that wants to politicise 'sensitive' matters, trigger-happy leaders from all parties - ever too ready to stir the pot with 'volatile' comments, and a country whose economic growth is slipping - this is not a good combination. Left unchecked, these protests could precipitate India's journey to doom. It's time for the government to be open - to listen to the protesters. It's also time for the courts to step in and take stern, quick decisions. India's growth story was founded on peace, diversity and co-existence. All the stakeholders, and that includes the public, should keep their emotions in check. Those who damage public property in the name of protests must be identified and booked. Those who use excessive force in uniform - must also face the music. The first priority must be restoring public order. Because without peace, there can be no debate, no forward movement. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Without peace, there can be no debate

Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 protests: 10 things you need to know

Three Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were set on fire near Bharat Nagar area as demonstrations against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the national capital turned violent on Sunday.

Huge plumes of smoke were seen billowing out of the buses as flames engulfed them.

Protestors also vandalised a fire tender that was sent to douse the fire and also injured two firemen inside the vehicle."One fire tender which was rushed to douse bus fire stopped and damaged by the students. Two firemen were also injured," said Delhi Fire Service (DFS), Director, Atul Garg.

Damage to other buses and vehicles was also caused by the protestors.

Police have, meanwhile, taken control of the situation and fire tenders have been rushed to control the damage caused in different areas.

Earlier today, protestors, including students of Jamia Milia Islamia University, had carried out demonstrations in the Kalindi Kunj area against the CAA.

The Delhi Traffic Police had closed the roads on which protests were being held in the national capital and kept on informing the public about the situation on the roads which were blocked by the protestors.

"Traffic movement is closed from Sarita Vihar to Kalindi Kunj due to protest/demonstration at Shaheen Bagh. Traffic is diverted from Sarita Vihar towards Road no 13A and from Apollo to Road no 13," the tweet from the official handle of the Delhi Traffic Police read.

"Mathura Road opposite New Friends Colony both carriageways have been blocked by demonstrators," another tweet by the Traffic Police read.

Earlier, scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the amended Citizenship Act on Saturday.

A day earlier on Friday, students protest left as many as 12 policemen injured.According to police, the protestors pelted stones at policemen who were deployed to control the situation.

The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

 
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Three Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were set on fire near Bharat Nagar area as demonstrations against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the national capital turned violent on Sunday.

Three Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were set on fire near Bharat Nagar area as demonstrations against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the national capital turned violent on Sunday. Huge plumes of smoke were seen billowing out of the buses as flames engulfed them. Protestors also vandalised a fire tender that was sent to douse the fire and also injured two firemen inside the vehicle."One fire tender which was rushed to douse bus fire stopped and damaged by the students. Two firemen were also injured," said Delhi Fire Service (DFS), Director, Atul Garg. Damage to other buses and vehicles was also caused by the protestors. Police have, meanwhile, taken control of the situation and fire tenders have been rushed to control the damage caused in different areas. Earlier today, protestors, including students of Jamia Milia Islamia University, had carried out demonstrations in the Kalindi Kunj area against the CAA. The Delhi Traffic Police had closed the roads on which protests were being held in the national capital and kept on informing the public about the situation on the roads which were blocked by the protestors. "Traffic movement is closed from Sarita Vihar to Kalindi Kunj due to protest/demonstration at Shaheen Bagh. Traffic is diverted from Sarita Vihar towards Road no 13A and from Apollo to Road no 13," the tweet from the official handle of the Delhi Traffic Police read. "Mathura Road opposite New Friends Colony both carriageways have been blocked by demonstrators," another tweet by the Traffic Police read. Earlier, scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the amended Citizenship Act on Saturday. A day earlier on Friday, students protest left as many as 12 policemen injured.According to police, the protestors pelted stones at policemen who were deployed to control the situation. The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Delhi: DTC buses torched as protests against Citizenship Act turn violent

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property.

"I would like to appeal to all people (in North-eastern states protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act) that they must put forward their concerns peacefully without causing loss to life and property. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees should also get the citizenship of the country," Sri Sri Ravishankar told ANI.

Protests erupted in several parts of Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

However, the Act will not apply to areas covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

"Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873," read a Gazette notification.&nbsp;

 
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Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property. "I would like to appeal to all people (in North-eastern states protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act) that they must put forward their concerns peacefully without causing loss to life and property. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees should also get the citizenship of the country," Sri Sri Ravishankar told ANI. Protests erupted in several parts of Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. However, the Act will not apply to areas covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. "Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873," read a Gazette notification.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar appeals for peace in Northeast India

Internet services have been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure in some districts of West Bengal, sources said.

The internet was suspended in some parts of the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24 Parganas ( Basirhat and Barasat subdivisions) and South 24 Parganas ( Baruipur and Canning subdivisions).

This came amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in several parts of West Bengal.

The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Internet services have been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure in some districts of West Bengal, sources said. The internet was suspended in some parts of the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24 Parganas ( Basirhat and Barasat subdivisions) and South 24 Parganas ( Baruipur and Canning subdivisions).

Internet services have been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure in some districts of West Bengal, sources said. The internet was suspended in some parts of the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24 Parganas ( Basirhat and Barasat subdivisions) and South 24 Parganas ( Baruipur and Canning subdivisions). This came amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in several parts of West Bengal. The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Internet services suspended temporarily in some parts of West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in both the Houses of Parliament to "give respect to those who fled to India and were forced to live as refugees".

The prime minister's remarks came during an address in Dumka, Jharkhand.&nbsp;

"Congress and their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: To give respect to those (minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, &amp; Bangladesh) who fled to India &amp; were forced to live as refugees, both houses of parliament passed the law (Citizenship Amendment). <a href="https://t.co/IVa0SDCg5Q">pic.twitter.com/IVa0SDCg5Q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1206143633994350593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister said the Congress party and their allies are giving silent support to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-3-dead-27-injured-till-now-in-protests-over-citizenship-268360">incidents of violence over Citizenship Amendment Act</a>.&nbsp;

"These scenes are strengthening the country's confidence that Modi, Parliament and the government have saved the country by bringing the Act," he stated.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: Congress &amp; their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes itself. <a href="https://t.co/UDb7gDJg6S">https://t.co/UDb7gDJg6S</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1206145414107295745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"For the first time, the Congress party has done what Pakistan has been doing for long. What can be more shameful than that? Will any Indian stage a demonstration outside any Indian embassy in other countries," asked Modi, while addressing an election rally.

As a part of its Bharat Bachao Rally, the Congress party staged protests outside Indian embassies across the world to highlight the problem of unemployment, slump in the economy, and distressed farmers in the country on Saturday.&nbsp;

Parts of the northeast, states like Nagaland and Meghalaya, are facing curfew as unrest prevails over the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

Protest have also gripped the national capital and parts of West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in both the Houses of Parliament to "give respect to those who fled to India and were forced to live as refugees".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in both the Houses of Parliament to "give respect to those who fled to India and were forced to live as refugees". The prime minister's remarks came during an address in Dumka, Jharkhand. "Congress and their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes," PM Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: To give respect to those (minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, & Bangladesh) who fled to India & were forced to live as refugees, both houses of parliament passed the law (Citizenship Amendment). pic.twitter.com/IVa0SDCg5Q — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2019 × The prime minister said the Congress party and their allies are giving silent support to the incidents of violence over Citizenship Amendment Act. "These scenes are strengthening the country's confidence that Modi, Parliament and the government have saved the country by bringing the Act," he stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: Congress & their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes itself. https://t.co/UDb7gDJg6S — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2019 × "For the first time, the Congress party has done what Pakistan has been doing for long. What can be more shameful than that? Will any Indian stage a demonstration outside any Indian embassy in other countries," asked Modi, while addressing an election rally. As a part of its Bharat Bachao Rally, the Congress party staged protests outside Indian embassies across the world to highlight the problem of unemployment, slump in the economy, and distressed farmers in the country on Saturday. Parts of the northeast, states like Nagaland and Meghalaya, are facing curfew as unrest prevails over the Citizenship Amendment Act. Protest have also gripped the national capital and parts of West Bengal.

Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed to give respect to those who fled to India as refugees: PM Modi 

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the central government was committed to safeguarding cultural, social and linguistic identity of people of the northeast.

"Culture, language, social identity, and political rights of our brothers and sisters from the northeast will remain intact. It is the responsibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Now that we've brought the Citizenship Amendment Act, some are trying to incite violence in the Northeast," he said at an election rally here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured people of the northeast on Thursday that they had nothing to worry after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

He gave an assurance that no one can take away rights, unique identity and beautiful culture of the people in the northeast and it will continue to flourish and grow.

The Act provides citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the central government was committed to safeguarding cultural, social and linguistic identity of people of the northeast.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the central government was committed to safeguarding cultural, social and linguistic identity of people of the northeast. "Culture, language, social identity, and political rights of our brothers and sisters from the northeast will remain intact. It is the responsibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. Now that we've brought the Citizenship Amendment Act, some are trying to incite violence in the Northeast," he said at an election rally here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured people of the northeast on Thursday that they had nothing to worry after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. He gave an assurance that no one can take away rights, unique identity and beautiful culture of the people in the northeast and it will continue to flourish and grow. The Act provides citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled religious persecution and arrived in India until December 31, 2014.

Culture, language, political rights of people of northeast will remain intact: Amit Shah

The administration in Assam's Guwahati relaxed the curfew imposed in the wake of huge protests against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/applicable-to-all-government-sources-on-states-denying-implementation-of-citizenship-amendment-act-268105">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 </a>for seven hours on Saturday.&nbsp;

Assam is the epicentre of the uproar in the Northeast and the curfew in Guwahati will be lifted from 9 am to 4 pm. Earlier, on Thursday, demonstrations were peaceful in Assam after two days of intensified violence where two people were also killed.&nbsp;

Although, suspension of mobile Internet services was extended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam.

On Thursday, the demonstrations against the Bill reached other parts of India, including New Delhi, West Bengal and southern India.

In Delhi, at least 50 students of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMU) were detained by police following incidents of violence between police and protesters.&nbsp;

The people of northeast are angry over BIll's provision to give citizenship to migrants coming from other countries.&nbsp;

The President Ram Nath Kovind gave his approval to the Bill on Thursday, signing it into law.&nbsp;

The United States and the United Kingdom have earlier issued <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-issues-travel-alert-for-citizens-amid-protests-over-citizenship-amendment-act-268205">travel advisories </a>for tourists from their respective countries to "exercise caution" if they intend to travel to violence-hit northeast India.&nbsp;

On Friday, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe also postponed his visit to India that was scheduled on December 15. It was expected that Abe's trip was planned in the northeast region.&nbsp;

The citizenship bill provides citizenship to migrants coming to India of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities till December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan due to religious persecution.&nbsp; 
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The administration in Assam's Guwahati relaxed the curfew imposed in the wake of huge protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 for seven hours on Saturday.

The administration in Assam's Guwahati relaxed the curfew imposed in the wake of huge protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 for seven hours on Saturday. Assam is the epicentre of the uproar in the Northeast and the curfew in Guwahati will be lifted from 9 am to 4 pm. Earlier, on Thursday, demonstrations were peaceful in Assam after two days of intensified violence where two people were also killed. Although, suspension of mobile Internet services was extended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam. On Thursday, the demonstrations against the Bill reached other parts of India, including New Delhi, West Bengal and southern India. In Delhi, at least 50 students of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMU) were detained by police following incidents of violence between police and protesters. The people of northeast are angry over BIll's provision to give citizenship to migrants coming from other countries. The President Ram Nath Kovind gave his approval to the Bill on Thursday, signing it into law. The United States and the United Kingdom have earlier issued travel advisories for tourists from their respective countries to "exercise caution" if they intend to travel to violence-hit northeast India. On Friday, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe also postponed his visit to India that was scheduled on December 15. It was expected that Abe's trip was planned in the northeast region. The citizenship bill provides citizenship to migrants coming to India of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities till December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan due to religious persecution.

Curfew relaxed for seven hours in Assam's Guwahati

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected.

People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The train services on New Farakka - Azimganj and Rampurhat - Gumani sections have been cancelled.

The trains cancelled for December 14 include 15721 UP Digha - New Jalpaiguri Paharia Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express and 13146 DN Radhikapur - Kolkata express.13141 UP Sealdah - New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, 13465 UP/13466 DN Howrah - Malda - Howrah Intercity Express, 13145 UP Kolkata - Radhikapur Express have been cancelled for December 15. Train no. 13033 UP Howrah - Katihar Express, 12517 UP Kolkata - Guwahati Garib Rath Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express for December 15 have also been cancelled.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.&nbsp; 
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In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected. People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected. People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The train services on New Farakka - Azimganj and Rampurhat - Gumani sections have been cancelled. The trains cancelled for December 14 include 15721 UP Digha - New Jalpaiguri Paharia Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express and 13146 DN Radhikapur - Kolkata express.13141 UP Sealdah - New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, 13465 UP/13466 DN Howrah - Malda - Howrah Intercity Express, 13145 UP Kolkata - Radhikapur Express have been cancelled for December 15. Train no. 13033 UP Howrah - Katihar Express, 12517 UP Kolkata - Guwahati Garib Rath Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express for December 15 have also been cancelled. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.

Citizenship Amendment Act: Protests in West Bengal, several trains cancelled

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it.

Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament."

"This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said.

"I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said.

Speaking about the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "The destruction of public property created by the toll of the people is most unfortunate. We as a country cannot afford on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to engage in violent activities."

"I appeal to everyone including the government to be proactive. If you find and identify miscreants, I am sure that should be done. Identification of miscreants is always a deterrent for such kind of activities," he said.

"West Bengal by its culture and people deserve to be peaceful. I have no hesitation in saying that the CAB is now an Act passed by the Indian parliament. It is under the Constitution, which is a tool for a powerful democracy," he said.

The Governor further said, "I with folded hands appeal to everyone that you have a way out under the Constitution if you think something has to be looked into. But being on road destroying trains, buses, railway station, and the police station is not the way out."

"I would expect everyone to contribute hugely for peace of the area. I appeal to the government, in particular, that it is time for you to proceed against miscreants and against those who are using social media for inflammatory messages," added Dhankar.

 
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West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament." "This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said. "I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said. Speaking about the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "The destruction of public property created by the toll of the people is most unfortunate. We as a country cannot afford on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to engage in violent activities." "I appeal to everyone including the government to be proactive. If you find and identify miscreants, I am sure that should be done. Identification of miscreants is always a deterrent for such kind of activities," he said. "West Bengal by its culture and people deserve to be peaceful. I have no hesitation in saying that the CAB is now an Act passed by the Indian parliament. It is under the Constitution, which is a tool for a powerful democracy," he said. The Governor further said, "I with folded hands appeal to everyone that you have a way out under the Constitution if you think something has to be looked into. But being on road destroying trains, buses, railway station, and the police station is not the way out." "I would expect everyone to contribute hugely for peace of the area. I appeal to the government, in particular, that it is time for you to proceed against miscreants and against those who are using social media for inflammatory messages," added Dhankar.

Every Indian is obliged to abide by law: West Bengal Governor on Citizenship Amendment Act

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said,&nbsp;"As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station."

"The entry and exit at Janpath has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC added in another tweet.

Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Saturday announced that it has postponed all examinations.

"All examinations have been postponed. New dates to be announced in due course of time. Winter vacation declared from December 16, 2019, to January 5, 2020. University to open on 6th January 2020," a release from the university said.

Scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) on Saturday.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said, "As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed.

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said, "As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station." "The entry and exit at Janpath has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC added in another tweet. Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Saturday announced that it has postponed all examinations. "All examinations have been postponed. New dates to be announced in due course of time. Winter vacation declared from December 16, 2019, to January 5, 2020. University to open on 6th January 2020," a release from the university said. Scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) on Saturday. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA protest: Entry, exit at Jamia Millia Islamia, Janpath stations closed, says Delhi Metro

Citizenship Amendment Bill, Now An Act, Has Triggered A Series Of Protests In The North-Eastern States.

Gravitas: Decoding the C.A.B apprehensions

Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-holds-meeting-with-up-congress-leaders-to-discuss-bharat-bachao-rally-preparations-266589">Priyanka Gandhi </a>slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday. &nbsp;

Taking a dig at BJP's slogan of Modi hai to mumkin hai (everything is possible if Modi is there), Priyanka said the reality is "if BJP is there, onions at Rs 100 per kg, highest unemployment in 45 years, 4 crore job losses are possible".

The Congress general secretary also urged the people of this country to "raise" their voice otherwise "Constitution" will be destroyed.&nbsp;

"I would like to tell every citizen of this country, raise your voice. If you love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, remain in the darkness of fear and lies even under these circumstances, and stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

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PG Vadra, Congress: I'd like to tell every citizen of this country - raise your voice. You love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, stay back in the darkness of fear &amp; lies even in these circumstances, &amp; stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed. <a href="https://t.co/KHXyiYrRHA">pic.twitter.com/KHXyiYrRHA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205745009980362753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, former finance minister P Chidambaram, who recently got bail in the INX Media case, also slammed Centre for wrecking the economy in the last six months.&nbsp;

"Yesterday, finance minister said everything's alright, we are on top of the world. The only thing she didn't say was 'achhe din aane wale hain' (good days are about to come)," Chidambaram said taking a dig to BJP's 2014 election slogan. &nbsp;

Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi were other leaders who were present in this rally.&nbsp;

 
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Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday. Taking a dig at BJP's slogan of Modi hai to mumkin hai (everything is possible if Modi is there), Priyanka said the reality is "if BJP is there, onions at Rs 100 per kg, highest unemployment in 45 years, 4 crore job losses are possible". The Congress general secretary also urged the people of this country to "raise" their voice otherwise "Constitution" will be destroyed. "I would like to tell every citizen of this country, raise your voice. If you love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, remain in the darkness of fear and lies even under these circumstances, and stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed," Gandhi said. PG Vadra, Congress: I'd like to tell every citizen of this country - raise your voice. You love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, stay back in the darkness of fear & lies even in these circumstances, & stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed. pic.twitter.com/KHXyiYrRHA — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × Earlier, former finance minister P Chidambaram, who recently got bail in the INX Media case, also slammed Centre for wrecking the economy in the last six months. "Yesterday, finance minister said everything's alright, we are on top of the world. The only thing she didn't say was 'achhe din aane wale hain' (good days are about to come)," Chidambaram said taking a dig to BJP's 2014 election slogan. Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi were other leaders who were present in this rally.

Priyanka Gandhi slams BJP government on economy, Citizenship Bill

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry.

"Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship.

"We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated.&nbsp;

"Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. &nbsp;

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&amp;Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. <a href="https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ">https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205481923805507585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts.

On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night.&nbsp;

The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today. Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship. "We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated. "Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × "The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said. Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported. Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts. On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night. The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Rumours are being spread, there's no need to worry: Gadkari on Citizenship Amendment Act 

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-protests-continue-to-rage-in-assam-cm-appeals-for-peace-267894">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 </a>late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-citizenship-amendment-bill-2019-all-there-is-to-know-about-cab-267792">Bill </a>gives Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to India due to religious persecution.&nbsp;

"Parliament received the assent of the President on December 12, 2019, and here by published for general information", according to the gazette of India.

The Act came to force after the official gazette published it on Thursday.

As per the citizenship bill, the migrants of these six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in the country for five years, changing from the earlier requirement of 11 years. The Bill also gives protection to these people from cases of illegal migrants filed against them.

It will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura and in the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit, notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

However, massive protests continue in the Northeast against the citizenship bill and two people were also killed on Thursday. Curfew has been imposed in several areas including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Dhekiajuli.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and the Lok Sabha (Lower House) approved it after midnight on Monday.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill. The Bill gives Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to India due to religious persecution. "Parliament received the assent of the President on December 12, 2019, and here by published for general information", according to the gazette of India. The Act came to force after the official gazette published it on Thursday. As per the citizenship bill, the migrants of these six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in the country for five years, changing from the earlier requirement of 11 years. The Bill also gives protection to these people from cases of illegal migrants filed against them. It will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura and in the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit, notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. However, massive protests continue in the Northeast against the citizenship bill and two people were also killed on Thursday. Curfew has been imposed in several areas including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Dhekiajuli. Earlier, the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and the Lok Sabha (Lower House) approved it after midnight on Monday. (with inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind gives nod to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported.

"The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources.

The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government.&nbsp;

Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law.

This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states.

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Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a>: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. <a href="https://t.co/yxMTVjHseI">pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205427604901154816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.

Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented.

"The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet.

President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act.

Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources. The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government. Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law. This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states. Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement #CitizenshipAmendmentAct: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent. Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented. "The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet. President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act. Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

Applicable to all: Government sources on states denying implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act