President Donald Trump on Tuesday taunted state governors for not embracing his proposal to send in the US&nbsp;military to quell unrest, hours after five officers were shot and wounded in an escalation of tensions between law enforcement and crowds protesting the killing of a black man in police custody.

Demonstrators smashed windows and looted stores in New York City late on Monday, including luxury retailers on Fifth Avenue, and set fire to a Los Angeles strip mall. Four officers were shot and wounded in St. Louis and one in Las Vegas who was critically wounded, authorities said.

Trump has threatened to use the military to crack down on the unrest, now in a second week, and has derided local authorities, including U.S. governors, for their response to the violent protests.

"New York was lost to the looters, thugs, Radical Left, and all others forms of Lowlife &amp; Scum. The Governor refuses to accept my offer of a dominating National Guard. NYC was ripped to pieces," tweeted Trump, a Republican, in a reference to New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo.

<h6><img alt="Protesters wearing protective face coverings peacefully march down Broadway from the State Capitol despite the 9 p.m. curfew in Denver, Colorado, U.S., June 1, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff8179bc-05ef-46f7-9210-38b4181111aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_16.jpg" /> 
Protesters wearing protective face coverings peacefully march down Broadway from the State Capitol despite the 9 p.m. curfew in Denver, Colorado, U.S., June 1, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

Trump has provided no evidence that leftists are behind the violence that has engulfed U.S. cities.

Cuomo said he was outraged by the violence and looting in New York City on Monday, and that the city's mayor and police force "did not do their job last night." He said he believed Mayor Bill de Blasio underestimated the scope of the problem.&nbsp;

The governor said he had offered the state's mayors support from state police or 13,000 National Guard who are on standby and said that with a 38,000-strong police force, New York City should be able to address its unrest on its own. He said the president sought to blur the line between protesters with a legitimate cause and looters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadians-watching-the-us-in-horror-says-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-302710" hreflang="en">Canadians watching the US 'in horror', says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a>

De Blasio poured cold water on the idea of bringing the National Guard to America's largest city. He said when forces not trained to handle New York City crowds intervene, "still with loaded weapons and under stress, horrible things happen."

The head of the National Guard, General Joseph Lengyel, said violence had decreased across the United States on Monday night, even as protest activity was sustained or increased. He said no Guard members were injured overnight.

Lengyel said 18,000 Guard members were assisting local law enforcement in 29 states, a figure that was increasing.

Clashes with police

The violent U.S. protests were triggered by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25.

Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old Minneapolis police officer who planted his knee on Floyd's neck, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved have not been charged.

Floyd's death has reignited the explosive issue of excessive police force, especially against African Americans, and raised tensions on the front lines where officers have faced off against sometimes hostile crowds.

Four officers in St. Louis were shot late on Monday and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An emotional St. Louis police commissioner, John Hayden, said about 200 protesters were looting and hurling fireworks and rocks at officers.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-rioters-vandalize-stores-as-protest-turns-violent-in-us-302699/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"They had officers with gas poured on them. What is going on? How can this be? Mr Floyd was killed somewhere else and they are tearing up cities all across the country,” he told reporters.

A police officer was shot during protests in Las Vegas, police there said in a statement. Officers were injured in clashes elsewhere, including one who was in critical condition after being hit by a car in the Bronx, police said.&nbsp;

The protests have escalated racial tensions in a politically divided country that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with African Americans accounting for a disproportionately high number of cases.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday told ABC News he is "considering all charges" against the officers involved in the Floyd case and that "all options are on the table."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-night-curfew-to-be-extended-amid-violence-302704" hreflang="en">New York night curfew to be extended amid violence</a>

Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, has condemned the killing of Floyd and promised justice, but he has vowed to take action to stop rightful protests from being hijacked by an "angry mob," deploying thousands of armed soldiers and law enforcement in the U.S. capital and vowing to do the same elsewhere if mayors and governors fail to regain control.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden pledged in a speech on Tuesday to try to heal the racial divide in America and blasted Trump's response to the protests.

Dozens of cities are under curfews not seen since riots after the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

"President Trump is right to be focused on law and order. He wasn't hired to be the consoler-in-chief," said Jason Miller, who advised the Republican president's 2016 presidential campaign.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday taunted state governors for not embracing his proposal to send in the US military to quell unrest, hours after five officers were shot and wounded in an escalation of tensions between law enforcement and crowds protesting the killing of a black man in police custody.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday taunted state governors for not embracing his proposal to send in the US military to quell unrest, hours after five officers were shot and wounded in an escalation of tensions between law enforcement and crowds protesting the killing of a black man in police custody. Demonstrators smashed windows and looted stores in New York City late on Monday, including luxury retailers on Fifth Avenue, and set fire to a Los Angeles strip mall. Four officers were shot and wounded in St. Louis and one in Las Vegas who was critically wounded, authorities said. Trump has threatened to use the military to crack down on the unrest, now in a second week, and has derided local authorities, including U.S. governors, for their response to the violent protests. "New York was lost to the looters, thugs, Radical Left, and all others forms of Lowlife & Scum. The Governor refuses to accept my offer of a dominating National Guard. NYC was ripped to pieces," tweeted Trump, a Republican, in a reference to New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo. Protesters wearing protective face coverings peacefully march down Broadway from the State Capitol despite the 9 p.m. curfew in Denver, Colorado, U.S., June 1, 2020 | Reuters Trump has provided no evidence that leftists are behind the violence that has engulfed U.S. cities. Cuomo said he was outraged by the violence and looting in New York City on Monday, and that the city's mayor and police force "did not do their job last night." He said he believed Mayor Bill de Blasio underestimated the scope of the problem. The governor said he had offered the state's mayors support from state police or 13,000 National Guard who are on standby and said that with a 38,000-strong police force, New York City should be able to address its unrest on its own. He said the president sought to blur the line between protesters with a legitimate cause and looters. Also read: Canadians watching the US 'in horror', says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau De Blasio poured cold water on the idea of bringing the National Guard to America's largest city. He said when forces not trained to handle New York City crowds intervene, "still with loaded weapons and under stress, horrible things happen." The head of the National Guard, General Joseph Lengyel, said violence had decreased across the United States on Monday night, even as protest activity was sustained or increased. He said no Guard members were injured overnight. Lengyel said 18,000 Guard members were assisting local law enforcement in 29 states, a figure that was increasing. Clashes with police The violent U.S. protests were triggered by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25. Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old Minneapolis police officer who planted his knee on Floyd's neck, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved have not been charged. Floyd's death has reignited the explosive issue of excessive police force, especially against African Americans, and raised tensions on the front lines where officers have faced off against sometimes hostile crowds. Four officers in St. Louis were shot late on Monday and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An emotional St. Louis police commissioner, John Hayden, said about 200 protesters were looting and hurling fireworks and rocks at officers. "They had officers with gas poured on them. What is going on? How can this be? Mr Floyd was killed somewhere else and they are tearing up cities all across the country,” he told reporters. A police officer was shot during protests in Las Vegas, police there said in a statement. Officers were injured in clashes elsewhere, including one who was in critical condition after being hit by a car in the Bronx, police said. The protests have escalated racial tensions in a politically divided country that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with African Americans accounting for a disproportionately high number of cases. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday told ABC News he is "considering all charges" against the officers involved in the Floyd case and that "all options are on the table." Also read: New York night curfew to be extended amid violence Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, has condemned the killing of Floyd and promised justice, but he has vowed to take action to stop rightful protests from being hijacked by an "angry mob," deploying thousands of armed soldiers and law enforcement in the U.S. capital and vowing to do the same elsewhere if mayors and governors fail to regain control. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden pledged in a speech on Tuesday to try to heal the racial divide in America and blasted Trump's response to the protests. Dozens of cities are under curfews not seen since riots after the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. "President Trump is right to be focused on law and order. He wasn't hired to be the consoler-in-chief," said Jason Miller, who advised the Republican president's 2016 presidential campaign.

New York ripped to pieces, Governor refuses dominating National Guard: Trump

While alluding to the ongoing protests in the United States over the murder of George Floyd who was pinned down by a cop in Minneapolis, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted that Canadians were watching the mishaps in the US “in horror”.

The US president, Donald Trump had recently threatened to call in the military to quell the protests across American cities, and had previously referred to the protesters as “thugs”. Over 4,000 protesters have arrested in the country so far.

"We all watch in horror and consternation what's going on in the United States”, Trudeau said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-poses-for-cameras-with-bible-in-hand-amid-riots-302684" hreflang="en">US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots</a>

"It is a time to pull people together... it is a time to listen, to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades”, the Canadian Prime Minister added.

He additionally called on Canadians to work hard to fight racism on Canadian soil as well.

However, when pressed for more comments over Trump’s actions, Trudeau responded to a reporter with, "My job as a Canadian prime minister is to stand up for Canadians”.

Related video:&nbsp;Riots grip America -&nbsp;Stars share powerful messages in support of George Floyd

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/riots-grip-america-stars-share-powerful-messages-in-support-of-george-floyd-302626/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trudeau had been on the forefront for speaking out against racism since his election, however photos of him donning the “blackface” surfaced last September, almost jeopardising his re-election.

Protests are currently going on across the United States. The demonstrations began in after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-protests-highlight-inequalities-and-endemic-racial-discrimination-un-rights-chief-michelle-bachelet-302667" hreflang="en">US protests highlight inequalities and endemic racial discrimination: UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet</a>

George Floyd was 46 years old. He was accused of buying cigarettes with a fake 20 dollar bill. 17 minutes after he was arrested, he was lying dead on the ground.

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that&nbsp;he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalised near the White House.

“My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.”

(With inputs from Reuters)

While alluding to the ongoing protests in the United States over the murder of George Floyd who was pinned down by a cop in Minneapolis, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted that Canadians were watching the mishaps in the US “in horror”.

While alluding to the ongoing protests in the United States over the murder of George Floyd who was pinned down by a cop in Minneapolis, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserted that Canadians were watching the mishaps in the US “in horror”. The US president, Donald Trump had recently threatened to call in the military to quell the protests across American cities, and had previously referred to the protesters as “thugs”. Over 4,000 protesters have arrested in the country so far. "We all watch in horror and consternation what's going on in the United States”, Trudeau said. Also read: US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots "It is a time to pull people together... it is a time to listen, to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades”, the Canadian Prime Minister added. He additionally called on Canadians to work hard to fight racism on Canadian soil as well. However, when pressed for more comments over Trump’s actions, Trudeau responded to a reporter with, "My job as a Canadian prime minister is to stand up for Canadians”. Related video: Riots grip America - Stars share powerful messages in support of George Floyd Trudeau had been on the forefront for speaking out against racism since his election, however photos of him donning the “blackface” surfaced last September, almost jeopardising his re-election. Protests are currently going on across the United States. The demonstrations began in after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country. Also read: US protests highlight inequalities and endemic racial discrimination: UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet George Floyd was 46 years old. He was accused of buying cigarettes with a fake 20 dollar bill. 17 minutes after he was arrested, he was lying dead on the ground. President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalised near the White House. “My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.” (With inputs from Reuters)

Canadians watching the US 'in horror', says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that&nbsp;he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-rise-in-us-as-fires-burn-near-white-house-amid-riots-302482">Also read: Tensions rise in US as fires burn near White House amid riots</a>

“My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.” 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/official-autopsy-reveals-floyds-homicide-caused-by-neck-compression-302503">Also read: Official autopsy reveals Floyd's 'homicide' caused by 'neck compression'</a>

"What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address.

"I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property."

"I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House. 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/01/142782-untitled-design.jpg?itok=JMSBCNtG" />

Fireworks explode behind Ferguson Police during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Ferguson, Missouri, U.S. May 31, 2020. (Reuters Photo) 
 
As Trump spoke, riot police and military police used tear gas to clear protesters out of a public square in front of the White House. Trump took a walk through the square after his remarks.

One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!" 
 
"The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference.

The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968 when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House. Also read: Tensions rise in US as fires burn near White House amid riots “My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.” Also read: Official autopsy reveals Floyd's 'homicide' caused by 'neck compression' "What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address. "I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property." "I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House. Fireworks explode behind Ferguson Police during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Ferguson, Missouri, U.S. May 31, 2020. (Reuters Photo) As Trump spoke, riot police and military police used tear gas to clear protesters out of a public square in front of the White House. Trump took a walk through the square after his remarks. One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!" "The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference. The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968 when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King. (With inputs from AFP)

Unrest in Washington a 'total disgrace', mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests: Trump

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality .

The protests began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/racism-haunts-america-as-african-americans-struggle-for-equality-302462" hreflang="en">Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality</a>

This is the election year in the US. However, when American cities were burning, the President - Donald Trump in Cape Canaveral to witness the launch of the SpaceX-NASA flight to the International Space Station.

<h6><img alt="oo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ba1c778-dcb7-40c7-9c02-60c5e17733bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_104.jpg" /> 
Protests in the United States | AFP</h6>

While speaking at the facility, he declared - “mobs won’t call the shots”. He blamed "the radical left" ---for the violence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-united-states-the-biggest-violator-of-human-rights-302486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the protests did not simmer. In fact, right outside his residence - the White House, protesters were seen clashing with the secret service.

After three years in power, Donald Trump is facing a pandemic, a protest, and an election.

"When the looting starts, the shooting starts"

On Friday, he called the protesters "thugs". Then he tweeted: when the looting starts, the shooting starts.&nbsp;These are the words of a former Miami police chief in the 1960s which spurred race riots in that decade.

On Saturday - he wanted to unleash "the most vicious dogs, the most ominous weapons" on the protesters. He was talking about the crowd that had gathered outside the White House.

Additionally, Trump wants to declare ANTIFA (the anti-fascist movement) a terrorist movement. However, the group doesn't have a leader, or a defined structure or any membership roles.

It represents activists - who share similar philosophy and tactics and are usually far left and anti-fascist.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trumps-america-burns-as-protests-spread-like-wildfire-302449" hreflang="en">Trump's America burns as protests spread like wildfire!</a>

The President, however, cannot officially designate the ANTIFA as terrorists.

Firstly, it is impossible to know exactly how many people identify themselves as part of the “ANTIFA. Secondly, the United States does not have a domestic terrorism law.

The law, as it exists right now - applies to foreign entities, and not domestic groups.

Nonetheless, the President has made the pronouncements on Twitter.

According to a report, Trump's own advisers are worried about his tweets, for they feel his content is “pouring fuel on an already incendiary situation".

The Democrats have latched onto this. Joe Biden, his co-contender in the upcoming elections, is taking on Trump for these remarks.

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality .

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality . The protests began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country. Also read: Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality This is the election year in the US. However, when American cities were burning, the President - Donald Trump in Cape Canaveral to witness the launch of the SpaceX-NASA flight to the International Space Station. Protests in the United States | AFP While speaking at the facility, he declared - “mobs won’t call the shots”. He blamed "the radical left" ---for the violence. However, the protests did not simmer. In fact, right outside his residence - the White House, protesters were seen clashing with the secret service. After three years in power, Donald Trump is facing a pandemic, a protest, and an election. "When the looting starts, the shooting starts" On Friday, he called the protesters "thugs". Then he tweeted: when the looting starts, the shooting starts. These are the words of a former Miami police chief in the 1960s which spurred race riots in that decade. On Saturday - he wanted to unleash "the most vicious dogs, the most ominous weapons" on the protesters. He was talking about the crowd that had gathered outside the White House. Additionally, Trump wants to declare ANTIFA (the anti-fascist movement) a terrorist movement. However, the group doesn't have a leader, or a defined structure or any membership roles. It represents activists - who share similar philosophy and tactics and are usually far left and anti-fascist. Also read: Trump's America burns as protests spread like wildfire! The President, however, cannot officially designate the ANTIFA as terrorists. Firstly, it is impossible to know exactly how many people identify themselves as part of the “ANTIFA. Secondly, the United States does not have a domestic terrorism law. The law, as it exists right now - applies to foreign entities, and not domestic groups. Nonetheless, the President has made the pronouncements on Twitter. According to a report, Trump's own advisers are worried about his tweets, for they feel his content is “pouring fuel on an already incendiary situation". The Democrats have latched onto this. Joe Biden, his co-contender in the upcoming elections, is taking on Trump for these remarks.

Can Donald Trump actually label ANTIFA as a terrorist organisation?

The United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city.

China’s approval of security laws in the city make disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-accuses-us-of-double-standards-over-protests-302568" hreflang="en">Hong Kong leader accuses US of 'double standards' over protests</a>

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory.

The Guardian reported that he claimed the same during an interview with the American Enterprise Institute.

Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure.

<h6><img alt="US President Donald Trump, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, holds a press conference on China on May 29, 2020, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77b48e34-673f-4df5-9965-266158a1d120" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_105.jpg" /> 
US President Donald Trump, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, holds a press conference on China on May 29, 2020, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC | AFP</h6>

 
Similarly, the US might allow people in distress to move to its territory. “Are we going to consider that as a possibility to make the United States welcome Hong Kong people to come here and bring their entrepreneurial creativity to our country?”

He said that they’d “consider it”.

However, the city was British territory until it was handed back to China as part of its “Two Systems, One Country” agreement which gave democratic rights and freedoms to people of the city. He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-accuses-china-of-using-tactical-situation-to-threaten-others-302525" hreflang="en">Pompeo accuses China of using 'tactical situation' to threaten others</a>

The Secretary of State also reiterated his concern with the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to assert control in the city. “But in the event that they don’t go in that direction, which is, I think, the more likely case given what we’ve seen them do over the past several weeks, the United States is going to impose a cost on the decision-makers who deny this freedom to the people of Hong Kong”, he said.

After China formally began the process of implementing the security laws, the United States withdrew the special status allotted to the city, which could have economic reparations in the city.

China recently hit out at US amid ongoing anti-racism protests in the city, and accused the country of hypocrisy as it using the same tools of suppression like tear gas, and military might to contain the protests.

The United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city. China’s approval of security laws in the city make disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers.

The United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city. China’s approval of security laws in the city make disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers. Also read: Hong Kong leader accuses US of 'double standards' over protests The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory. The Guardian reported that he claimed the same during an interview with the American Enterprise Institute. Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure. US President Donald Trump, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, holds a press conference on China on May 29, 2020, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC | AFP Similarly, the US might allow people in distress to move to its territory. “Are we going to consider that as a possibility to make the United States welcome Hong Kong people to come here and bring their entrepreneurial creativity to our country?” He said that they’d “consider it”. However, the city was British territory until it was handed back to China as part of its “Two Systems, One Country” agreement which gave democratic rights and freedoms to people of the city. He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.” Also read: Pompeo accuses China of using 'tactical situation' to threaten others The Secretary of State also reiterated his concern with the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to assert control in the city. “But in the event that they don’t go in that direction, which is, I think, the more likely case given what we’ve seen them do over the past several weeks, the United States is going to impose a cost on the decision-makers who deny this freedom to the people of Hong Kong”, he said. After China formally began the process of implementing the security laws, the United States withdrew the special status allotted to the city, which could have economic reparations in the city. China recently hit out at US amid ongoing anti-racism protests in the city, and accused the country of hypocrisy as it using the same tools of suppression like tear gas, and military might to contain the protests.

United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China

Britain urged China to rethink its plans and the strategy therein to assert more control over Hong Kong, which was earlier British territory, and was handed back to China under special terms -&nbsp;including democratic freedoms.

"There is time for China to reconsider," UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said while referring to the new security laws, which have spurred protests across the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-considering-offering-citizenship-to-hong-kongers-amid-crisis-with-china-302621" hreflang="en">United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China</a>

“There is a moment for China to step back from the brink and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and respect China's own international obligations”, Raab added,

China’s parliament recently approved the new security law. This makes disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers.

<h6><img alt="A pro-democracy protester (C) waves a British colonial flag during a &quot;Lunch With You&quot; rally at a shopping mall in the Central district in Hong Kong on June 1, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8302af4-3158-4775-a3e4-e220ad473381" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_14.jpg" /> 
A pro-democracy protester (C) waves a British colonial flag during a "Lunch With You" rally at a shopping mall in the Central district in Hong Kong on June 1, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure.

Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 as part of the “Two Systems, One Country” vision which guaranteed privileges to Hong Kongers not available elsewhere in mainland China.

Raab also urged Hong Kong and Chinese governments to collectively work "to end the recent violence and resolve the underlying tensions based on political dialogue".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-cant-be-silent-hong-kong-people-aim-to-mark-tiananmen-despite-ban-302645" hreflang="en">'I can't be silent': Hong Kong people aim to mark Tiananmen despite ban</a>

On Tuesday, the United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city.

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory.

He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.”

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Britain urged China to rethink its plans and the strategy therein to assert more control over Hong Kong, which was earlier British territory, and was handed back to China under special terms - including democratic freedoms.

Britain urged China to rethink its plans and the strategy therein to assert more control over Hong Kong, which was earlier British territory, and was handed back to China under special terms - including democratic freedoms. "There is time for China to reconsider," UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said while referring to the new security laws, which have spurred protests across the city. Also read: United States 'considering' offering citizenship to Hong Kongers amid crisis with China “There is a moment for China to step back from the brink and respect Hong Kong's autonomy and respect China's own international obligations”, Raab added, China’s parliament recently approved the new security law. This makes disapproval of the Chinese government a crime, with sedition as one of the main charges now allowed to be used against naysayers. A pro-democracy protester (C) waves a British colonial flag during a "Lunch With You" rally at a shopping mall in the Central district in Hong Kong on June 1, 2020 | AFP Recently, UK ministers wrote to the government to begin a coordinated international response to the crisis, which would also include offering hosting Hong Kongers in the country. The UK’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel promised support to the people of Hong Kong. More people from Hong Kong are now eligible to apply for UK citizenship, as an international relief measure. Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 as part of the “Two Systems, One Country” vision which guaranteed privileges to Hong Kongers not available elsewhere in mainland China. Raab also urged Hong Kong and Chinese governments to collectively work "to end the recent violence and resolve the underlying tensions based on political dialogue". Also read: 'I can't be silent': Hong Kong people aim to mark Tiananmen despite ban On Tuesday, the United States may let in people living in Hong Kong amid the ongoing China-Hong Hong crisis, which has spurred protests across the city. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country will let in those who aren’t “comfortable” in Hong Kong. The US has continuously called China’s actions an attempt to subvert democracy in the territory. He addressed this difference in British and American policy and said, “I don’t know precisely how it will play out. The British have, as you know, a different relationship. A lot of these folks have British national passports. There’s a long history between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom; it’s very different.” (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

'Step back': United Kingdom hits out at China's attempts to assume control of Hong Kong

Many Hong Kong people will find their own way to mark the 31st anniversary of Chinese troops opening fire on protesters in and around Tiananmen Square, after an annual candlelight vigil was cancelled for the first time because of the coronavirus.

The anniversary of the crackdown on the student-led democracy protests has a special poignancy this year, coming a week after Beijing gave the green light to move ahead with national security legislation for Hong Kong, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony.

"I can't be silent. If people tell me to keep silent, I won't," said office worker Daisy Lam, 52, who has attended nearly every vigil since June 4, 1989, with her children.

Former Hong Kong student leader Chan Ching-wah, 56, was in Beijing on June 4, 1989, and recalled the kindness of a customs officer who let him to take a bag full of photos and video of the military crackdown when he left Beijing.

"I feel like I had never left because the danger that Hong Kong is facing, the repression it's going to face is no small thing," Chan told Reuters as he held a photo of himself in Tiananmen Square.

<h6><img alt="Office worker Daisy Lam speaks to Reuters about her experience in joining the annual June 4 candlelight vigil, at her living room in Hong Kong, China June 1, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7777e788-fb76-4345-8a2c-da949ce5a951" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_9.jpg" /> 
Office worker Daisy Lam speaks to Reuters about her experience in joining the annual June 4 candlelight vigil, at her living room in Hong Kong, China June 1, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

"I hope the battle in Hong Kong won't lead to a crackdown like the one on June 4."

Fears have intensified over what many residents of Hong Kong see as Beijing's encroachment on its freedoms, and the impact of that on the city's status as a global financial hub.&nbsp;

Mainland and Hong Kong authorities reject criticism of the security legislation and insist the city's high degree of autonomy will remain intact under a "one country, two systems" formula.

In past years, Hong Kong's candlelight memorials have drawn tens of thousands of people to the city's Victoria Park.&nbsp;

But police said this week a mass gathering would pose a serious threat to public health just as the city reported its first locally transmitted coronavirus cases in two weeks.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has banned gatherings of more than eight people to prevent the spread of the virus.

<h6><img alt="Former Hong Kong student leader Chan Ching-wah looks at an album with photos he and his friends took during their trip to Beijing in 1989, as he poses for the camera in Hong Kong, China June 1, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd837e1-f0c9-4d0b-8619-cf5b7f2ffee5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_13.jpg" /> 
Former Hong Kong student leader Chan Ching-wah looks at an album with photos he and his friends took during their trip to Beijing in 1989, as he poses for the camera in Hong Kong, China June 1, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

Embattled city leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday the restrictions were not about limiting freedom and public health was also a part of national security.

Despite the ban, online forums and the organiser of the vigil have called on people to light candles to remember those who perished.&nbsp;

Priscilla Leung, a retired civil servant who volunteers for non-government organisations, said she would continue to inform young people about the Tiananmen crackdown, which is a taboo issue on the mainland. The anniversary is not marked by the government.

"I have already bought some electronic candle lights and I plan to light them on the streets," said Leung.&nbsp;

"It doesn't matter if it's one person or a few people, as long as there's fire in our hearts, we'll be able to pass on the message to the next generation."

Many Hong Kong people will find their own way to mark the 31st anniversary of Chinese troops opening fire on protesters in and around Tiananmen Square, after an annual candlelight vigil was cancelled for the first time because of the coronavirus.

Many Hong Kong people will find their own way to mark the 31st anniversary of Chinese troops opening fire on protesters in and around Tiananmen Square, after an annual candlelight vigil was cancelled for the first time because of the coronavirus. The anniversary of the crackdown on the student-led democracy protests has a special poignancy this year, coming a week after Beijing gave the green light to move ahead with national security legislation for Hong Kong, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony. "I can't be silent. If people tell me to keep silent, I won't," said office worker Daisy Lam, 52, who has attended nearly every vigil since June 4, 1989, with her children. Former Hong Kong student leader Chan Ching-wah, 56, was in Beijing on June 4, 1989, and recalled the kindness of a customs officer who let him to take a bag full of photos and video of the military crackdown when he left Beijing. "I feel like I had never left because the danger that Hong Kong is facing, the repression it's going to face is no small thing," Chan told Reuters as he held a photo of himself in Tiananmen Square. Office worker Daisy Lam speaks to Reuters about her experience in joining the annual June 4 candlelight vigil, at her living room in Hong Kong, China June 1, 2020 | Reuters "I hope the battle in Hong Kong won't lead to a crackdown like the one on June 4." Fears have intensified over what many residents of Hong Kong see as Beijing's encroachment on its freedoms, and the impact of that on the city's status as a global financial hub. Mainland and Hong Kong authorities reject criticism of the security legislation and insist the city's high degree of autonomy will remain intact under a "one country, two systems" formula. In past years, Hong Kong's candlelight memorials have drawn tens of thousands of people to the city's Victoria Park. But police said this week a mass gathering would pose a serious threat to public health just as the city reported its first locally transmitted coronavirus cases in two weeks. Hong Kong has banned gatherings of more than eight people to prevent the spread of the virus. Former Hong Kong student leader Chan Ching-wah looks at an album with photos he and his friends took during their trip to Beijing in 1989, as he poses for the camera in Hong Kong, China June 1, 2020 | Reuters Embattled city leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday the restrictions were not about limiting freedom and public health was also a part of national security. Despite the ban, online forums and the organiser of the vigil have called on people to light candles to remember those who perished. Priscilla Leung, a retired civil servant who volunteers for non-government organisations, said she would continue to inform young people about the Tiananmen crackdown, which is a taboo issue on the mainland. The anniversary is not marked by the government. "I have already bought some electronic candle lights and I plan to light them on the streets," said Leung. "It doesn't matter if it's one person or a few people, as long as there's fire in our hearts, we'll be able to pass on the message to the next generation."

'I can't be silent': Hong Kong people aim to mark Tiananmen despite ban

The United States has been embroiled in a series of protests after an African American man, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. A reminder of police brutality against people of colour, the police action prompted a series of protests that have now gone global, with offshoots in cities like London.

The European Union recently expressed “shock” over the incident. Josep Borrell, a top EU diplomat called it an “abuse of power” and expressed disbelief at the police excesses involved in the case.

"Like the people of the United States, we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd ... all societies must remain vigilant against the excessive use of force," Borrell told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unrest-in-washington-a-total-disgrace-mobilizing-heavily-armed-military-to-stop-protests-trump-302497">Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests</a>

When Floyd was pinned down by an officer called&nbsp;Chauvin, he was heard on the tape saying “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, please”. The officer had knelt his knee on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, which led to his demise. He soon went into a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead an hour later.

While referring to the incident, Borrell also referred to Floyd’s death as a “very unhappy” one.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/riots-grip-america-stars-share-powerful-messages-in-support-of-george-floyd-302626/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We condemn racism of any kind ... we trust in the ability of the Americans to come together, to heal as a nation”, he added.

The video of Floyd’s arrest went viral. The 46-year-old man had gone to a store to buy cigarettes when the store incharge accused him of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill, after which the police got involved.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-police-officers-shot-in-violent-protests-after-trump-vows-to-bring-in-us-military-302581" hreflang="en">Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military</a>

In the video, the police officer is visible clearly pinning his knee on the man’s neck, to which he was pleading against. Later, when he fell unconscious, the bystanders asked the officers to check his pulse, after which he was taken to a hospital.

Borrell also said,&nbsp;"All lives matter, black lives also matter."

Earlier on May 26, Borrell had claimed that the world was witnessing the end of a “US-led system” with rising concerns between the US and China, which many are calling the beginning of a cold war.

The United States is currently reeling from the effects of COVID-19, which has killed more 104,000 people in the country alone - the highest toll for any single nation.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The United States has been embroiled in a series of protests after an African American man, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. A reminder of police brutality against people of colour, the police action prompted a series of protests that have now gone global, with offshoots in cities like London.

The United States has been embroiled in a series of protests after an African American man, George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. A reminder of police brutality against people of colour, the police action prompted a series of protests that have now gone global, with offshoots in cities like London. The European Union recently expressed “shock” over the incident. Josep Borrell, a top EU diplomat called it an “abuse of power” and expressed disbelief at the police excesses involved in the case. "Like the people of the United States, we are shocked and appalled by the death of George Floyd ... all societies must remain vigilant against the excessive use of force," Borrell told reporters. Also read: Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests When Floyd was pinned down by an officer called Chauvin, he was heard on the tape saying “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, please”. The officer had knelt his knee on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, which led to his demise. He soon went into a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead an hour later. While referring to the incident, Borrell also referred to Floyd’s death as a “very unhappy” one. "We condemn racism of any kind ... we trust in the ability of the Americans to come together, to heal as a nation”, he added. The video of Floyd’s arrest went viral. The 46-year-old man had gone to a store to buy cigarettes when the store incharge accused him of using a counterfeit 20 Dollar bill, after which the police got involved. Also read: Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military In the video, the police officer is visible clearly pinning his knee on the man’s neck, to which he was pleading against. Later, when he fell unconscious, the bystanders asked the officers to check his pulse, after which he was taken to a hospital. Borrell also said, "All lives matter, black lives also matter." Earlier on May 26, Borrell had claimed that the world was witnessing the end of a “US-led system” with rising concerns between the US and China, which many are calling the beginning of a cold war. The United States is currently reeling from the effects of COVID-19, which has killed more 104,000 people in the country alone - the highest toll for any single nation. (With inputs from Reuters)

EU 'shocked and appalled' by George Floyd's murder, calls it 'abuse of power'

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera. 
 
"We have asked the Australian embassy in Washington, DC to investigate this incident," Marise Payne said after the journalists were slammed with a riot shield, punched and hit with a baton while broadcasting from the protest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrified-by-george-floyds-death-says-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-302598" hreflang="en">'Horrified' by George Floyd's death, says New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern</a> 
 
"I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia's strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington," she said, indicating a formal complaint would follow.&nbsp; 
 
Footage showed 7NEWS reporter Amelia Brace being clubbed with a truncheon and cameraman Tim Myers being hit with a riot shield and punched in the face by police clearing Washington's Lafayette Square of protesters on Monday. 
 
The journalists said they were later shot with rubber bullets and tear-gassed, which Brace said left the pair "a bit sore". 
 
The incident was widely broadcast in Australia, causing consternation in a country that has been a close US ally. 
 
US police -- with support from military personnel -- had forcibly cleared the square of peaceful protesters to allow President Donald Trump to leave the White House for a photo opportunity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-police-officers-shot-in-violent-protests-after-trump-vows-to-bring-in-us-military-302581" hreflang="en">Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military</a> 
 
Trump has faced fierce criticism for his handling of week-long protests over the death in custody of an unarmed African-American man in Minneapolis. 
 
George Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. 
 
In several cities, the demonstrations have spiralled into rioting, violent confrontations with police and looting, prompting National Guard deployments to around two dozen US states and strictly enforced curfews. 
 
Payne steered clear of criticising Trump directly,&nbsp;highlighting the delicate balancing act US allies face when registering unease with his administration. 
 
"This is obviously a very troubling period in the United States and a very tough period at so many levels," she told ABC radio. 
 
"We are always supportive of people's right to peaceful protest and we encourage all involved on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence." &nbsp;

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera.

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera. "We have asked the Australian embassy in Washington, DC to investigate this incident," Marise Payne said after the journalists were slammed with a riot shield, punched and hit with a baton while broadcasting from the protest. Also read: 'Horrified' by George Floyd's death, says New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern "I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia's strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington," she said, indicating a formal complaint would follow. Footage showed 7NEWS reporter Amelia Brace being clubbed with a truncheon and cameraman Tim Myers being hit with a riot shield and punched in the face by police clearing Washington's Lafayette Square of protesters on Monday. The journalists said they were later shot with rubber bullets and tear-gassed, which Brace said left the pair "a bit sore". The incident was widely broadcast in Australia, causing consternation in a country that has been a close US ally. US police -- with support from military personnel -- had forcibly cleared the square of peaceful protesters to allow President Donald Trump to leave the White House for a photo opportunity. Also read: Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military Trump has faced fierce criticism for his handling of week-long protests over the death in custody of an unarmed African-American man in Minneapolis. George Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. In several cities, the demonstrations have spiralled into rioting, violent confrontations with police and looting, prompting National Guard deployments to around two dozen US states and strictly enforced curfews. Payne steered clear of criticising Trump directly, highlighting the delicate balancing act US allies face when registering unease with his administration. "This is obviously a very troubling period in the United States and a very tough period at so many levels," she told ABC radio. "We are always supportive of people's right to peaceful protest and we encourage all involved on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence."

Australia probes US police assault on its journalists

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday said protests in the US after the death of George Floyd, an African-American man, are a clear message to the world that a common man's life has value.

She said this is also guaranteed by the India Constitution, but the governments don't follow it, resulting in the current plight of migrants workers.

Floyd, a 46-year-old restaurant worker from Houston, died in Minneapolis on Monday after a white police officer pinned him to the ground.

Video footage showed the officer kneeling on Floyd's neck as he gasped for breath, sparking widespread protests across the US.

"Floyd's killing by police and the 'Black lives matter' agitation in the US have given a clear message to the world that a common man's life has value and it should not be taken for granted," Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi.

"India's constitution guarantees independence, security, self-respect and pride and governments should give special attention to it. If it was followed, crores of migrants labourers would not have to witness such bad days," she added.

She also demanded better coordination between states to check the spread of coronavirus and said the Centre should intervene.

"While coronavirus patients are rising, there is a lack of coordination between states and with the Centre, and allegation and counter-allegations are going on. The sealing of state borders is unjustified and it is weakening the fight against the virus. The Centre should intervene," she said in a separate tweet.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday said protests in the US after the death of George Floyd, an African-American man, are a clear message to the world that a common man's life has value.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday said protests in the US after the death of George Floyd, an African-American man, are a clear message to the world that a common man's life has value. She said this is also guaranteed by the India Constitution, but the governments don't follow it, resulting in the current plight of migrants workers. Floyd, a 46-year-old restaurant worker from Houston, died in Minneapolis on Monday after a white police officer pinned him to the ground. Video footage showed the officer kneeling on Floyd's neck as he gasped for breath, sparking widespread protests across the US. "Floyd's killing by police and the 'Black lives matter' agitation in the US have given a clear message to the world that a common man's life has value and it should not be taken for granted," Mayawati said in a tweet in Hindi. "India's constitution guarantees independence, security, self-respect and pride and governments should give special attention to it. If it was followed, crores of migrants labourers would not have to witness such bad days," she added. She also demanded better coordination between states to check the spread of coronavirus and said the Centre should intervene. "While coronavirus patients are rising, there is a lack of coordination between states and with the Centre, and allegation and counter-allegations are going on. The sealing of state borders is unjustified and it is weakening the fight against the virus. The Centre should intervene," she said in a separate tweet.

Protests over George Floyd's death send clear message that common man's life has value: Mayawati

Thousands of Bosnians took to the streets on Saturday to protest against bad governance and corruption as senior government officials face graft accusations.

These accusations were related to the procurement of defective ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

The protest was organised by a small moderate party, the Platform for Progress, and joined by leaders of other opposition groups.

People followed coronavirus lockdown guidelines and wore masks. They marched peacefully from Sarajevo's Old Town to the national parliament building.&nbsp;

Many carried yellow balloons with the Bosnian flag.

Bosnia has been plagued by corruption scandals, often linked to officials from the ruling parties, but most of them have not been charged.

In the latest corruption scandal, the premier of Bosnia's autonomous Bosniak-Croat Federation, Fadil Novalic, has denied accusations of irregularities in the procurement of the Chinese ventilators.

The protestors said they wanted elections that are not rigged and an end to corruption.

Local elections scheduled for October 4 have been postponed for more than a month due to a lack of funding after the government had failed to pass a 2020 budget.

Thousands of Bosnians took to the streets on Saturday to protest against bad governance and corruption as senior government officials face graft accusations. These accusations were related to the procurement of defective ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

Thousands of Bosnians took to the streets on Saturday to protest against bad governance and corruption as senior government officials face graft accusations. These accusations were related to the procurement of defective ventilators for COVID-19 patients. The protest was organised by a small moderate party, the Platform for Progress, and joined by leaders of other opposition groups. People followed coronavirus lockdown guidelines and wore masks. They marched peacefully from Sarajevo's Old Town to the national parliament building. Many carried yellow balloons with the Bosnian flag. Bosnia has been plagued by corruption scandals, often linked to officials from the ruling parties, but most of them have not been charged. In the latest corruption scandal, the premier of Bosnia's autonomous Bosniak-Croat Federation, Fadil Novalic, has denied accusations of irregularities in the procurement of the Chinese ventilators. The protestors said they wanted elections that are not rigged and an end to corruption. Local elections scheduled for October 4 have been postponed for more than a month due to a lack of funding after the government had failed to pass a 2020 budget.

People in Bosnia protest as officials accused of COVID-19 graft

As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong.

The people will receive “necessary assistance” from Taiwan, hinted President Tsai Ing-wen.

Over time, many pro-democracy protesters who fled Hong Kong found safe refuge in Taiwan, especially over the last 12 months.

Just yesterday, Hong Kong police fired tear gas and used water cannons against protesters who defied Beijing.

In pictures:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-take-to-streets-in-hong-kong-to-oppose-chinas-controversial-law-300786">Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law</a>

Tsai called the proposed law a serious threat to the freedom and judicial independence guaranteed to Hong Kong. She further added that bullets are not the ideal tool for dealing with the crisis.

“In face of the changing situation, the international community has proactively stretched out a helping hand to Hong Kong’s people,” Tsai wrote in a Facebook post.

“[Taiwan will] even more proactively perfect and forge ahead with relevant support work, and provide Hong Kong’s people with necessary assistance,’” she added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/taiwan-vows-necessary-aid-to-hong-kong-people-supports-hk-protest-300840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though Taiwan has no refugee protection laws that may be used to protect protesters, the country’s laws can intervene and help people whose safety and liberty are under threat.

Taipei and Beijing share a historically strained relationship, and most anti-China sentiment, like the ongoing Hong Kong protests have received support across Taiwan.

Hong Kong’s security chief on Monday referred to the protests as “terrorism”.

“Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as ‘Hong Kong independence’, become more rampant,” Secretary for Security John Lee said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/chinas-proposed-security-law-for-hong-kong-could-lead-to-us-sanctions-says-white-house-300793" hreflang="en">China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House</a>

“In just a few months, Hong Kong has changed from one of the safest cities in the world to a city shrouded in the shadow of violence,” he added.

China believes that Taiwan is indirectly supporting protesters in Hong Kong and has referred to Tsai as a “separatist” who seeks independence for Taiwan.

Tsai has asserted the freedom of Taiwan, calling it an independent country, with the Republic of China as its official name.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong. The people will receive “necessary assistance” from Taiwan, hinted President Tsai Ing-wen.

As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong. The people will receive “necessary assistance” from Taiwan, hinted President Tsai Ing-wen. Over time, many pro-democracy protesters who fled Hong Kong found safe refuge in Taiwan, especially over the last 12 months. Just yesterday, Hong Kong police fired tear gas and used water cannons against protesters who defied Beijing. In pictures: Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law Tsai called the proposed law a serious threat to the freedom and judicial independence guaranteed to Hong Kong. She further added that bullets are not the ideal tool for dealing with the crisis. “In face of the changing situation, the international community has proactively stretched out a helping hand to Hong Kong’s people,” Tsai wrote in a Facebook post. “[Taiwan will] even more proactively perfect and forge ahead with relevant support work, and provide Hong Kong’s people with necessary assistance,’” she added. Even though Taiwan has no refugee protection laws that may be used to protect protesters, the country’s laws can intervene and help people whose safety and liberty are under threat. Taipei and Beijing share a historically strained relationship, and most anti-China sentiment, like the ongoing Hong Kong protests have received support across Taiwan. Hong Kong’s security chief on Monday referred to the protests as “terrorism”. “Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as ‘Hong Kong independence’, become more rampant,” Secretary for Security John Lee said in a statement. Also read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House “In just a few months, Hong Kong has changed from one of the safest cities in the world to a city shrouded in the shadow of violence,” he added. China believes that Taiwan is indirectly supporting protesters in Hong Kong and has referred to Tsai as a “separatist” who seeks independence for Taiwan. Tsai has asserted the freedom of Taiwan, calling it an independent country, with the Republic of China as its official name. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong

Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong, recently announced plans to rework the city’s education system in view of the protests that have rocked the city multiple times since 2019.

Lam, who is mostly perceived as pro-China claimed that the “liberal studies curriculum” had fuelled the protests which had become violent and demanded for more democratisation of Hong Kong.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 infection, the numbers of which have now simmered across the city, more protests erupted demanding less interference into the city from Beijing.

In pictures:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/photos/flash-mobs-mass-arrests-pepper-spray-highlights-of-hong-kong-protests-on-mothers-day-297909" hreflang="en">Flash mobs, mass arrests, pepper spray: Highlights of Hong Kong protests on Mother's Day</a>

Over the weekend, the city police collided with protesters. According to agencies, at least 18 people were injured. Additionally, over 200 people were arrested and journalists were pepper-sprayed.

According to Lam, the current education system is “chicken coop without a roof” promised to bring in changes.

Reportedly, she also called for the protection of students against being “poisoned” from “false and biased information”.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2629fc32-6625-4897-aee2-e322c3f7e6e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-9.jpg" /> 
Police detain a group of people during a pro-democracy protest calling for the city's independence in Hong Kong on May 10, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

“In terms of handling the subject of liberal studies in the future, we will definitely make things clear to the public within this year,” she toldTa Kung Pao, a newspaper.

Recently, China had promised not to “stand idly if” if the protests escalated.

In recent clips, the police are visibly shooting pepper balls at people in a shopping mall. In the process, they also detained two minor student journalists, aged 12 and 16.

Besides cracking down on the protesters, the police are using pandemic prevention laws to quell the gathering of protesters.

The protests began last June and continue to resurface after the coronavirus lockdown rules saw relaxation.

Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong, recently announced plans to rework the city’s education system in view of the protests that have rocked the city multiple times since 2019.

Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong, recently announced plans to rework the city’s education system in view of the protests that have rocked the city multiple times since 2019. Lam, who is mostly perceived as pro-China claimed that the “liberal studies curriculum” had fuelled the protests which had become violent and demanded for more democratisation of Hong Kong. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 infection, the numbers of which have now simmered across the city, more protests erupted demanding less interference into the city from Beijing. In pictures: Flash mobs, mass arrests, pepper spray: Highlights of Hong Kong protests on Mother's Day Over the weekend, the city police collided with protesters. According to agencies, at least 18 people were injured. Additionally, over 200 people were arrested and journalists were pepper-sprayed. According to Lam, the current education system is “chicken coop without a roof” promised to bring in changes. Reportedly, she also called for the protection of students against being “poisoned” from “false and biased information”. Police detain a group of people during a pro-democracy protest calling for the city's independence in Hong Kong on May 10, 2020 | AFP “In terms of handling the subject of liberal studies in the future, we will definitely make things clear to the public within this year,” she toldTa Kung Pao, a newspaper. Recently, China had promised not to “stand idly if” if the protests escalated. In recent clips, the police are visibly shooting pepper balls at people in a shopping mall. In the process, they also detained two minor student journalists, aged 12 and 16. Besides cracking down on the protesters, the police are using pandemic prevention laws to quell the gathering of protesters. The protests began last June and continue to resurface after the coronavirus lockdown rules saw relaxation.

Carrie Lam blames education system for protests in Hong Kong, vows to reform it

On February 25, the Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak died at the age of 91 after suffering from an illness. Mubarak served as the Egyptian President for nearly 30 years before resigning as a result of 2011 Egyptian mass protests.

Mubarak dies at 91: Military funeral in Cairo

Ex-Egyptian autocrat Mubarak dies at 91 after prolonged illness

Extension Rebellion, a series of protests against climate change have been labelled as a ''key threat'' by a police force in London. The decision was made based on counter-terrorism assessment mechanisms that allegedly led to ''intelligence tip-offs'', The Guardian reported.

London Police has grouped the protest movement alongside multiple far-right organisations.

In their report, which was forwarded to the City of London Corporation, the police force's performance was measured in terms of how they have countered terrorist activity.

The report said, ''The force has continued close liaison (which has included the dissemination of intelligence) with partners and pan-London agencies regarding the key threats, particularly with regard to far-right organisations and Extinction Rebellion.''

“CTSAs (counter-terrorism security advisers) have delivered Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) awareness training across the City, including bespoke presentations to organisations. This has resulted in an increase in intelligence being submitted to the force by ACT-trained security personnel”, the report additionally said.

<h6><img alt="iiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90ff4ba7-5f78-43ed-9a12-c7c1177258f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_57.jpg" /> 
Image: Protesters hold banners as they demonstrate against the Australian government's inaction over climate change despite the bushfires crisis, outside the Australian Embassy in London, Britain, January 10, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

This is not the first time the report has come up. In June last year, it was discussed at one of the hearings for scrutiny, ''The key issues continue to be threats relating to international terrorism and domestic terrorism. In addition, the high-profile actions of Extinction Rebellion, which centred around non-violent disobedience, result in some disruption in the City, with the potential for the event to be hijacked or infiltrated by more extremist groups''.

Paul Stephens, an Extinction Rebellion member and former Metropolitan police detective sergeant, told The Guardian, ''The categorisation of Extinction Rebellion with terrorist groups looks more like a strategy to encourage intelligence gathering than an error and is in complete contradiction to the words of counter-terrorism policing. It is an obvious and unethical tactic which could lose the trust of valued sources''.

“We will never knowingly mislead the police, so why not speak to us directly? I hope that the gravity of this emergency and the need for communication and cooperation is understood”, Stephens added.

This was followed by a statement from a spokesperson for London Police: ''City of London Police does not consider Extinction Rebellion to be a terrorist organisation. Ahead of the protests in the summer, our officers, who have regular contact with businesses in the area, spoke to them to ask them to consider the impact of the protests on their business continuity, and to make plans accordingly''.

<h6><img alt="iiiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54131d07-0eb7-4002-93bb-5bb6a74d10ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_45.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Demonstrators lie in a street during a protest of the climate action group&nbsp;Extinction&nbsp;Rebellion&nbsp;at Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium January 18, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

Earlier this month, The Guardian had reported that Extinction Rebellion was put on a list of extremist ideologies. This implies that people are required to report related activity to the authorities.

More information released last week claimed that Greenpeace and PETA were also included in a counter-terrorism police document, as part of anti-extremism briefings.&nbsp;

A police chief referred to this as an “error of judgment” and promised to recall the inclusion of such organisations in the list.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-extinction-rebellion-protests-begin-in-australia-254166">Global Extinction Rebellion protests begin in Australia</a>

Extension Rebellion, a series of protests against climate change have been labelled as a ''key threat'' by a police force in London. The decision was made based on counter-terrorism assessment mechanisms that allegedly led to ''intelligence tip-offs'', The Guardian reported.

Extension Rebellion, a series of protests against climate change have been labelled as a ''key threat'' by a police force in London. The decision was made based on counter-terrorism assessment mechanisms that allegedly led to ''intelligence tip-offs'', The Guardian reported. London Police has grouped the protest movement alongside multiple far-right organisations. In their report, which was forwarded to the City of London Corporation, the police force's performance was measured in terms of how they have countered terrorist activity. The report said, ''The force has continued close liaison (which has included the dissemination of intelligence) with partners and pan-London agencies regarding the key threats, particularly with regard to far-right organisations and Extinction Rebellion.'' “CTSAs (counter-terrorism security advisers) have delivered Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) awareness training across the City, including bespoke presentations to organisations. This has resulted in an increase in intelligence being submitted to the force by ACT-trained security personnel”, the report additionally said. Image: Protesters hold banners as they demonstrate against the Australian government's inaction over climate change despite the bushfires crisis, outside the Australian Embassy in London, Britain, January 10, 2020 | Reuters This is not the first time the report has come up. In June last year, it was discussed at one of the hearings for scrutiny, ''The key issues continue to be threats relating to international terrorism and domestic terrorism. In addition, the high-profile actions of Extinction Rebellion, which centred around non-violent disobedience, result in some disruption in the City, with the potential for the event to be hijacked or infiltrated by more extremist groups''. Paul Stephens, an Extinction Rebellion member and former Metropolitan police detective sergeant, told The Guardian, ''The categorisation of Extinction Rebellion with terrorist groups looks more like a strategy to encourage intelligence gathering than an error and is in complete contradiction to the words of counter-terrorism policing. It is an obvious and unethical tactic which could lose the trust of valued sources''. “We will never knowingly mislead the police, so why not speak to us directly? I hope that the gravity of this emergency and the need for communication and cooperation is understood”, Stephens added. This was followed by a statement from a spokesperson for London Police: ''City of London Police does not consider Extinction Rebellion to be a terrorist organisation. Ahead of the protests in the summer, our officers, who have regular contact with businesses in the area, spoke to them to ask them to consider the impact of the protests on their business continuity, and to make plans accordingly''. Image: Demonstrators lie in a street during a protest of the climate action group Extinction Rebellion at Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium January 18, 2020 | Reuters Earlier this month, The Guardian had reported that Extinction Rebellion was put on a list of extremist ideologies. This implies that people are required to report related activity to the authorities. More information released last week claimed that Greenpeace and PETA were also included in a counter-terrorism police document, as part of anti-extremism briefings. A police chief referred to this as an “error of judgment” and promised to recall the inclusion of such organisations in the list. Read more: Global Extinction Rebellion protests begin in Australia

British counter-terror police list Extinction Rebellion as 'key threat', PETA also under watch

Hundreds of&nbsp;Chileans&nbsp;rallied Saturday night to protest what they call&nbsp;police&nbsp;repression&nbsp;during three months of the worst&nbsp;social&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-violent-clashes-erupt-in-new-round-of-protests-270712">Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests</a>

More than 1,000 people, many wearing black, marched in silence from Plaza Italia, ground zero of all the protests, along Alameda Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Chile's capital.

Keeping quiet was their way of denouncing the security forces' use of tear gas, water cannon and birdshot, although the latter was barred in November because it was causing many injuries.

"We are marching because of the human rights violations we have suffered. We will be here as long as is needed. This is the new Chile," said a&nbsp;social&nbsp;worker who gave her name only as Ana Maria.

Watch:&nbsp;Chilean protests turn violent as protesters show no sign of backing down

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chilean-protests-turn-violent-as-protesters-show-no-sign-of-backing-down-260331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;broke out over a metro fare rise but quickly grew into a broader outcry&nbsp;against&nbsp;economic and&nbsp;social&nbsp;inequality in what had been considered among the most stable countries in Latin America.

Watch: Violence at an all-time high in Chile

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violence-at-an-all-time-high-in-chile-262252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A total of 29 have died in violence related to the protests and nearly 3,700 were injured and&nbsp;more than 400 with eye injuries from the birdshot fired by&nbsp;police, according to the National Human Rights Institute.

The protesters on Saturday night got close to the La Moneda presidential palace. They sang and shouted slogans&nbsp;against&nbsp;conservative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-president-pinera-sparks-fury-with-fake-news-claims-270752">President Sebastian Pinera</a>, whose approval rating has dropped to single digits since the protests began in November.

Hundreds of Chileans rallied Saturday night to protest what they call police repression during three months of the worst social unrest since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990.

Hundreds of Chileans rallied Saturday night to protest what they call police repression during three months of the worst social unrest since democracy replaced the country's military dictatorship in 1990. Also read: Chile: Violent clashes erupt in new round of protests More than 1,000 people, many wearing black, marched in silence from Plaza Italia, ground zero of all the protests, along Alameda Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Chile's capital. Keeping quiet was their way of denouncing the security forces' use of tear gas, water cannon and birdshot, although the latter was barred in November because it was causing many injuries. "We are marching because of the human rights violations we have suffered. We will be here as long as is needed. This is the new Chile," said a social worker who gave her name only as Ana Maria. Watch: Chilean protests turn violent as protesters show no sign of backing down The unrest broke out over a metro fare rise but quickly grew into a broader outcry against economic and social inequality in what had been considered among the most stable countries in Latin America. Watch: Violence at an all-time high in Chile A total of 29 have died in violence related to the protests and nearly 3,700 were injured and more than 400 with eye injuries from the birdshot fired by police, according to the National Human Rights Institute. The protesters on Saturday night got close to the La Moneda presidential palace. They sang and shouted slogans against conservative President Sebastian Pinera, whose approval rating has dropped to single digits since the protests began in November.

Chileans march against police repression during unrest

In Iranian capital Tehran, thousands of protesters took to the streets after Iran admitted to having shot down Ukranian passenger plane. #WION #Iran #IranPlaneCrash

Protesters condemn government over its initial denial of downing Ukrainian plane

A video shared on Twitter of St Stephen's college triggered an old memory which I have not shared with many people. I saw students of the college participate in the current event of a protest. The students were sending a strong message that they remain committed to the values of the Constitution. It was a peaceful protest. Many people found the protest to be okay and peaceful but some politicians accused the college of inadequate response to larger political events in the past. It is in this context, I would like to recall a day’s protest which I staged my friend at St Stephen’s College. I did it with my childhood friend Archis Mohan in the first year of college in 1993. Obviously, we didn’t read the Constitution but did something which made us feel significant.

We both were pursuing History (Hons). We knew each other for a long time as both us were from Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. We decided to commemorate the first anniversary of Babri Masjid Demolition. We decided that we would wear a pathani suit and skull cap and would attend the classes with the attire. I managed to procure a pathano suit from my father’s wardrobe and a skull cap from a friend.

Archis also somehow managed to procure one skull cap but could not get his hands on a pathani suit. We created quite a scene at college. A lot of friends privately objected to our attire. We also faced a few sniggers but nothing serious to either upset our appetite or resolve. We even went around Kamala market with caps on.

I can proudly say that not a single person came to us and called names. Then there was no anti-national on the horizon so we felt pretty amused and proud at the same time. Not one person from the student community strongly objected and fought with us.

It was at the end of the first half that we were called by Dr Anil Wilson, the then principal of the college. He told both of us that we have made the point and its time we go back to the normal routine. He did not admonish us. He neither ridiculed us. He accepted our day’s protest but asked us to go back to the class. We did exactly what he said. We went back to our normal routine without getting stereotyped. The three years we spent in college not a single person called both of us a Muslim sympathiser. The cap did not stick with me. We were neither labelled as ‘liberal’s nor&nbsp;accused as anti-Hindu.

I must admit that I welcomed the decision to build a Ram Temple on the ground because the sentiment of Ram being born in Ayodhya is a reality today. But back then both I and Archis escaped social hounding which people can go through depending on the position they have taken on a political issue.

In the present context, if you ask me whether it was enough, I would say that it should be left to students and the institutions they go to. There exist&nbsp;a social contract between students and the institution they are part off. Every educational institution has a character and it needs to be respected. There has been a lot of name-calling on St Stephen’s and its political disconnect.

The college has produced brilliant minds who have contributed immensely to&nbsp;the world of politics, economy&nbsp;and business. The institution remains committed towards educational excellence.&nbsp;

Even if the institution is not connected with electoral politics directly, it has allowed space for students&nbsp;to express strong disagreement with political developments in a peaceful without disrupting the educational cycle.&nbsp;

It is not to say that what is happening in JNU is incorrect. JNU has its own tradition and needs to be respected while St Stephen’s has its own and needs to be respected too.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

A video shared on Twitter of St Stephen's college triggered an old memory which I have not shared with many people. I saw students of the college participate in the current event of a protest.

A video shared on Twitter of St Stephen's college triggered an old memory which I have not shared with many people. I saw students of the college participate in the current event of a protest. The students were sending a strong message that they remain committed to the values of the Constitution. It was a peaceful protest. Many people found the protest to be okay and peaceful but some politicians accused the college of inadequate response to larger political events in the past. It is in this context, I would like to recall a day’s protest which I staged my friend at St Stephen’s College. I did it with my childhood friend Archis Mohan in the first year of college in 1993. Obviously, we didn’t read the Constitution but did something which made us feel significant. We both were pursuing History (Hons). We knew each other for a long time as both us were from Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. We decided to commemorate the first anniversary of Babri Masjid Demolition. We decided that we would wear a pathani suit and skull cap and would attend the classes with the attire. I managed to procure a pathano suit from my father’s wardrobe and a skull cap from a friend. Archis also somehow managed to procure one skull cap but could not get his hands on a pathani suit. We created quite a scene at college. A lot of friends privately objected to our attire. We also faced a few sniggers but nothing serious to either upset our appetite or resolve. We even went around Kamala market with caps on. I can proudly say that not a single person came to us and called names. Then there was no anti-national on the horizon so we felt pretty amused and proud at the same time. Not one person from the student community strongly objected and fought with us. It was at the end of the first half that we were called by Dr Anil Wilson, the then principal of the college. He told both of us that we have made the point and its time we go back to the normal routine. He did not admonish us. He neither ridiculed us. He accepted our day’s protest but asked us to go back to the class. We did exactly what he said. We went back to our normal routine without getting stereotyped. The three years we spent in college not a single person called both of us a Muslim sympathiser. The cap did not stick with me. We were neither labelled as ‘liberal’s nor accused as anti-Hindu. I must admit that I welcomed the decision to build a Ram Temple on the ground because the sentiment of Ram being born in Ayodhya is a reality today. But back then both I and Archis escaped social hounding which people can go through depending on the position they have taken on a political issue. In the present context, if you ask me whether it was enough, I would say that it should be left to students and the institutions they go to. There exist a social contract between students and the institution they are part off. Every educational institution has a character and it needs to be respected. There has been a lot of name-calling on St Stephen’s and its political disconnect. The college has produced brilliant minds who have contributed immensely to the world of politics, economy and business. The institution remains committed towards educational excellence. Even if the institution is not connected with electoral politics directly, it has allowed space for students to express strong disagreement with political developments in a peaceful without disrupting the educational cycle. It is not to say that what is happening in JNU is incorrect. JNU has its own tradition and needs to be respected while St Stephen’s has its own and needs to be respected too. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: When pathani suit became my symbol of protest

The world is faced with pressing issues – climate change, economic growth, inequality, anti-establishment protests and violence. Even as the other issues are receiving some attention, not much is being done with respect to addressing the wave of violence sweeping across the world. It is in this context that it becomes critical to delve into the root cause of violence and strive for a peaceful world. &nbsp;

Violence is not only killing people, but it is also undermining the progress of nations and humane values. What prompts an individual to resort to harming others? &nbsp;As we say this, let us recount, more than 71 soldiers in Nigeria have been killed by 100 militants in the deadliest attack against Niger military, India recently saw some worst crime against women while London and Amsterdam, witnessed multiple stabbing incidents and so on. Amidst this vicious circle of suffering and ferocity is it wishful thinking to strive for a world free of violence? A world without violence might sound utopian or a line straight from the script of a feel-good feature film. But we need to understand that a world without violence is surely attainable, provided we all work towards it. Violence is an attitude, an approach that needs to be dealt skillfully. Crushing protests and dissenting views is not the solution. Violence and aggression as a tendency need to be addressed at an individual, structural and societal level.&nbsp;

If we delve deeper and try to analyse the reasons for violence, we would find that we all are stakeholders in this large-scale violence. Let us analyse the factors contributing to this violence. &nbsp;

Lack of belongingness and trust&nbsp;

It is the lack of belongingness and trust towards our fellow brethren which is giving rise to this cycle of hate and aloofness. The feeling of somebodies or the lack of belongingness has long been driving a wedge between us and others, be it during the era of capitalism, colonialism, or apartheid, where the weak were subjugated at the hands of the powerful. Unless we address the lack of belonging, violence will continue to spread as a wildfire and would be hard to curtail. &nbsp;

The violence could be as small as a quarrel or fight between a husband and wife or can take the form of large-scale violence. As we are growing into a so-called “better off society”, we are trusting each other less. The magnitude of violence being experienced in the 21st century is indeed heartening. Violence is not the nature of man. However, man is the only animal who kills his fellow beings. Other animals rarely kill animals of their fraternity, rather they stand for their protection. &nbsp;

Lack of trust is preventing nations from enjoying the fruits of development. This mistrust between nations is making them allocate billions of dollars in defence budget alone. This amount could very well have gone for nation-building or for providing a social safety net to people. While people living below the poverty line in India have fallen from 70 per cent in 1947 to 22 per cent in 2016, still the fruits of development are still to fully trickle down to all the sections of the society.&nbsp;

Several polls conducted worldwide demonstrate that millennials have far lesser inclination to trust the society, the Government, the judiciary than they used to earlier. Today’s policies, laws and social habits showcase a falling sense of interpersonal trust. Security checks are becoming more rigorous than before given the uncertain times we live in. This didn’t use to be the case earlier. One core reason behind the growing incidence of depression is the feeling of alienation and lack of confidence in our fellow beings. We seldom find an avenue to vent out our feelings or have someone to hear to us impartially while at the same time maintain our confidentiality. If not addressed at the individual level, this takes the form of fear psychosis and becomes social aggression at the societal level. Many of the culprits behind gun-shooting incidents or terror attacks have often been found to be anti-social in character. &nbsp;

Ideologies alienate us&nbsp;

Ideology is the root cause of all violence. Thousands of wars have been fought, still fighting not for any real thing, but just for mere ideologies. The rigid notion that only our ideology is supreme or ours is the only truth have left numerous scars the world over which are hard to heal. The violence during the World War II, the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Cold War era of the 1990s, the 9/11 attacks in the US and 26/11 in India are still fresh in the minds of the people. Sanatan tradition in its unadulterated form is not an ideology but the art of living. The Sanskrit aphorism Ahaṁ Brahmāsmi, meaning “I am the Infinite” has long been propounded by our holy Upanishads. The aphorism signifies that Brahman is the infinite reality, the all-encompassing existence in itself, and only when the ego (somebodies) dies can it be realised. Unless we see the same atman or soul in each of us as the basis of our being, irrespective of caste, creed, race and religion, we won’t be at peace. Our holy scriptures have also advocated that one should see one (God) in many while many in one. The moment one drops ideologies and refuses to be blinded by it, suddenly one becomes aware. And that heightened awareness is the source of peace in and around the world.&nbsp;

Freedom to ask questions&nbsp;

While many may not agree, but we need to encourage people to ask questions. All the greatest inventions of our times and mass political movements, all owe their success to raising pertinent questions. Not providing people an outlet to ask questions and seek a response often gives rise to frustration, pent-up emotions, a feeling of subjugation which then take the shape of violence. &nbsp;

The Indian civilisation right from its inception has encouraged people to ask questions. At a time when asking questions was forbidden in other religions and parts of the world, all major holy scriptures in India - be it the Narada Bhakti Sutra or the Bhagawad Gita have started with a question. India is also the land which gave rise to the Guru-Shishya parampara (Guru-Disciple tradition) where asking questions was encouraged. The prevailing chaos globally could be blamed in part to curbing the dissenting voices and forbidding people from asking relevant questions. Notwithstanding, India has a history of respect for all religions, which is unparalleled in the rest of the world. &nbsp;

Role of language in violence&nbsp;

Not many know, but language too has a role in exacerbating violence. A physical wound may heal sooner, but it may take ages for a verbal scar to heal. Violence is almost always accompanied by language. Anthropologists are right when they say that aggression is biological while violence is social. More than often the accompanying language gives violence its social character. There have been several instances in India where influential public figures have been booked for hate speech and for instigating violence. One can’t also turn a blind eye to language-related violence as seen in Bangladesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. Many political parties owe their successes to the linguistic card played by them.&nbsp;

Technology: A boon or a bane&nbsp;

The increased usage of technology and gadgets is subtly contributing to violence. While technology has made it easier to communicate seamlessly, at the same time it has increased levels of alienation. Youth playing games on mobile which involve killing and maiming the enemy often induces a sense of aggression among the teens. The easy access of pornographic material on gadgets is unfortunate too. It has emerged that several pedophiles and sexual predators have been influenced by such material online in committing sexual crimes. The advent of messaging apps such as Whatsapp and Telegram has made it easier for militant outfits to radicalise the youth or recruit them. Many of the ISIS recruits claim to have got influenced by groups created by the outfit on Telegram.&nbsp;

Often, fake and unsubstantiated content is shared on such Messaging Apps, be it the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir or misconceptions regarding the intended purpose of policies as framed by the Government. India has been witnessing widespread protests pertaining to the objective of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens exercise. Unless the policy formulators proactively educate the public correctly about the exact significance of their policies and check rumour-mongering, such chaos is bound to occur as the reality is far from what is projected in these viral posts. Any violence emanating out of the lack of trust for the government’s policies often gives rise to mob-mentality and ends in massive destruction of public property, while claiming lives too. The misuse of the internet by anti-social elements has been one of the key considerations making the Indian government tread with caution in fully restarting internet services in Kashmir post the revocation of Article 370 in August.&nbsp;

Gadgets in a way have become our companion. People tend to spend 14-16 hours with them, even keeping them besides them when sleeping. We get a high when we see our gadgets instantly obeying our commands. However, we become restless and aggressive when our friends and family refuse to respond or interact in the same vein. This needs to be addressed. Gadgets should be used for constructive purposes – learning a new skill, course, meditating, exploring new places or reading something positive.&nbsp;

Way forward 
 
Great things have been accomplished through non-violence. J. Krishnamurti, the enlightened author of Beyond Violence, once wrote: “Violence is like a stone dropped in a lake: the waves spread and spread; at the centre is the ‘me’. As long as the ‘me’ survives in any form, very subtly or grossly, there must be violence.”&nbsp;

There is a mystical incident -- Towards the end of the British Rule in India, when the independence movement was at its peak, some British soldiers captured a Hindu saint on the suspicion that he was a spy. This saint was passing through a military cantonment area, and he had been in silence – observing a Maun Vrat – for 30 years. The soldiers interrogated him, but he chose not to break his “Maun Vrat” (silence). This unusual behaviour strengthened their suspicion and the soldiers became so furious, they stuck a bayonet in his chest. In his last moment, the saint uttered one Sanskrit word: 'Tattvamasi', meaning ‘That Art Thou’. It implies that even the killer is divine even though he is not aware of his divinity.&nbsp;

Non-violence simply means you should be so powerful that nobody can undermine you by being violent towards you. It should not be out of weakness but out of power. Being powerful, you shouldn’t hurt or kill the latter, but rather protect them. You could even empower the other by educating him to shun the path of ignorance, of violence and come back into the mainstream. So, my idea of nonviolence is different from Mahavir, Buddha and Gandhi.&nbsp;

My idea is non-violence should be out of an abundance of power. Don’t use that power to kill, to destroy; but use that power to create, enlighten and protect. And if anybody tries to harm you or anybody else, do everything to prevent that harm.&nbsp;

Violence has to be completely removed from the world, but it can happen only if nonviolent people are powerful; otherwise, how can you manage? If violent people are powerful and non-violent people are powerless, then the violent people will overrule the non-violent. That has been our experience of two thousand years. I don’t support weakness. I support power; but power with compassion, love and creativity. &nbsp;

Given my more than two decades of experience of working in Kashmir, North-east, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Nepal, it is clear that people could be transformed and be made to shun violence by educating them about the constructive power of non-violence and by hearing to them non-judgmentally with compassion. &nbsp;

Furthermore, I feel that all the pressing issues in the world can only be solved through dialogue, and not war or bullets. Be it the decades of civil strife in Columbia or the centuries-long dispute pertaining to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, both of which witnessed widespread bloodshed in the past, all have been resolved amicably through discussion and dialogue, thus setting a new precedence for our future generations. &nbsp;

Role of spirituality &nbsp;

In the prevailing times, the role of spirituality in addressing violence can’t be under-emphasized. Turning to holy scriptures irrespective of religion, their correct interpretation and education, yoga and meditation can go a long way in creating a society filled with tolerance and compassion. The United Nations recognising the significance of Yoga and declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga is laudable in this context. Yoga and meditation is also being taught across prisons the world over and has found a large number of takers. Many convicts feel their life would have been different had they been introduced to it earlier. &nbsp;

It needs to start from our families&nbsp;

Addressing the growing incidents of violence and preventing the societal fabric from deteriorating has become our moral responsibility. Spreading peace and compassion needs to start from our homes. By treating our loved ones with compassion, we can surely encourage them to do the same with others and hope this to have a spiral effect. At the same time, it becomes important to turn to our scriptures. The tenets of non-violence have been extensively propagated for long by them. The mention of non-violence comes before truth in the highly revered Patanjali Yoga Sutra. &nbsp;

Feeling of belongingness and treating others with respect has been one of the key pillars of India’s tradition. It was among the first countries in the world to propagate the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, a Sanskrit phrase found in the Maha Upanishad, meaning "the world is one family". It is these ideals which made India to welcome thinkers, scholars and visitors from all over the world. &nbsp;

India never attacked any country on its own in the known history and never tried to colonise any part of the world. It neither advocated that our truth is the only truth nor projected others as non-believers and sinners. India was and will continue to remain a melting pot of the peaceful co-existence of several religions, languages, dialects and cultures. Even as greed, materialism and religious dogma dominate the world, India, despite its shortcomings, still holds the torch that can light a new flame of awakening. The country is well-equipped to deal with any differences of opinion in a peaceful manner&nbsp;

If we all – individuals, society, governments, world leaders, NGOs, civil society, spiritual organisations work in unison for fostering brotherhood and peace, a world without violence is surely attainable.&nbsp; 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The world is faced with pressing issues – climate change, economic growth, inequality, anti-establishment protests and violence. Even as the other issues are receiving some attention, not much is being done with respect to addressing the wave of violence sweeping across the world.

The world is faced with pressing issues – climate change, economic growth, inequality, anti-establishment protests and violence. Even as the other issues are receiving some attention, not much is being done with respect to addressing the wave of violence sweeping across the world. It is in this context that it becomes critical to delve into the root cause of violence and strive for a peaceful world. Violence is not only killing people, but it is also undermining the progress of nations and humane values. What prompts an individual to resort to harming others? As we say this, let us recount, more than 71 soldiers in Nigeria have been killed by 100 militants in the deadliest attack against Niger military, India recently saw some worst crime against women while London and Amsterdam, witnessed multiple stabbing incidents and so on. Amidst this vicious circle of suffering and ferocity is it wishful thinking to strive for a world free of violence? A world without violence might sound utopian or a line straight from the script of a feel-good feature film. But we need to understand that a world without violence is surely attainable, provided we all work towards it. Violence is an attitude, an approach that needs to be dealt skillfully. Crushing protests and dissenting views is not the solution. Violence and aggression as a tendency need to be addressed at an individual, structural and societal level. If we delve deeper and try to analyse the reasons for violence, we would find that we all are stakeholders in this large-scale violence. Let us analyse the factors contributing to this violence. Lack of belongingness and trust It is the lack of belongingness and trust towards our fellow brethren which is giving rise to this cycle of hate and aloofness. The feeling of somebodies or the lack of belongingness has long been driving a wedge between us and others, be it during the era of capitalism, colonialism, or apartheid, where the weak were subjugated at the hands of the powerful. Unless we address the lack of belonging, violence will continue to spread as a wildfire and would be hard to curtail. The violence could be as small as a quarrel or fight between a husband and wife or can take the form of large-scale violence. As we are growing into a so-called “better off society”, we are trusting each other less. The magnitude of violence being experienced in the 21st century is indeed heartening. Violence is not the nature of man. However, man is the only animal who kills his fellow beings. Other animals rarely kill animals of their fraternity, rather they stand for their protection. Lack of trust is preventing nations from enjoying the fruits of development. This mistrust between nations is making them allocate billions of dollars in defence budget alone. This amount could very well have gone for nation-building or for providing a social safety net to people. While people living below the poverty line in India have fallen from 70 per cent in 1947 to 22 per cent in 2016, still the fruits of development are still to fully trickle down to all the sections of the society. Several polls conducted worldwide demonstrate that millennials have far lesser inclination to trust the society, the Government, the judiciary than they used to earlier. Today’s policies, laws and social habits showcase a falling sense of interpersonal trust. Security checks are becoming more rigorous than before given the uncertain times we live in. This didn’t use to be the case earlier. One core reason behind the growing incidence of depression is the feeling of alienation and lack of confidence in our fellow beings. We seldom find an avenue to vent out our feelings or have someone to hear to us impartially while at the same time maintain our confidentiality. If not addressed at the individual level, this takes the form of fear psychosis and becomes social aggression at the societal level. Many of the culprits behind gun-shooting incidents or terror attacks have often been found to be anti-social in character. Ideologies alienate us Ideology is the root cause of all violence. Thousands of wars have been fought, still fighting not for any real thing, but just for mere ideologies. The rigid notion that only our ideology is supreme or ours is the only truth have left numerous scars the world over which are hard to heal. The violence during the World War II, the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Cold War era of the 1990s, the 9/11 attacks in the US and 26/11 in India are still fresh in the minds of the people. Sanatan tradition in its unadulterated form is not an ideology but the art of living. The Sanskrit aphorism Ahaṁ Brahmāsmi, meaning “I am the Infinite” has long been propounded by our holy Upanishads. The aphorism signifies that Brahman is the infinite reality, the all-encompassing existence in itself, and only when the ego (somebodies) dies can it be realised. Unless we see the same atman or soul in each of us as the basis of our being, irrespective of caste, creed, race and religion, we won’t be at peace. Our holy scriptures have also advocated that one should see one (God) in many while many in one. The moment one drops ideologies and refuses to be blinded by it, suddenly one becomes aware. And that heightened awareness is the source of peace in and around the world. Freedom to ask questions While many may not agree, but we need to encourage people to ask questions. All the greatest inventions of our times and mass political movements, all owe their success to raising pertinent questions. Not providing people an outlet to ask questions and seek a response often gives rise to frustration, pent-up emotions, a feeling of subjugation which then take the shape of violence. The Indian civilisation right from its inception has encouraged people to ask questions. At a time when asking questions was forbidden in other religions and parts of the world, all major holy scriptures in India - be it the Narada Bhakti Sutra or the Bhagawad Gita have started with a question. India is also the land which gave rise to the Guru-Shishya parampara (Guru-Disciple tradition) where asking questions was encouraged. The prevailing chaos globally could be blamed in part to curbing the dissenting voices and forbidding people from asking relevant questions. Notwithstanding, India has a history of respect for all religions, which is unparalleled in the rest of the world. Role of language in violence Not many know, but language too has a role in exacerbating violence. A physical wound may heal sooner, but it may take ages for a verbal scar to heal. Violence is almost always accompanied by language. Anthropologists are right when they say that aggression is biological while violence is social. More than often the accompanying language gives violence its social character. There have been several instances in India where influential public figures have been booked for hate speech and for instigating violence. One can’t also turn a blind eye to language-related violence as seen in Bangladesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. Many political parties owe their successes to the linguistic card played by them. Technology: A boon or a bane The increased usage of technology and gadgets is subtly contributing to violence. While technology has made it easier to communicate seamlessly, at the same time it has increased levels of alienation. Youth playing games on mobile which involve killing and maiming the enemy often induces a sense of aggression among the teens. The easy access of pornographic material on gadgets is unfortunate too. It has emerged that several pedophiles and sexual predators have been influenced by such material online in committing sexual crimes. The advent of messaging apps such as Whatsapp and Telegram has made it easier for militant outfits to radicalise the youth or recruit them. Many of the ISIS recruits claim to have got influenced by groups created by the outfit on Telegram. Often, fake and unsubstantiated content is shared on such Messaging Apps, be it the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir or misconceptions regarding the intended purpose of policies as framed by the Government. India has been witnessing widespread protests pertaining to the objective of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens exercise. Unless the policy formulators proactively educate the public correctly about the exact significance of their policies and check rumour-mongering, such chaos is bound to occur as the reality is far from what is projected in these viral posts. Any violence emanating out of the lack of trust for the government’s policies often gives rise to mob-mentality and ends in massive destruction of public property, while claiming lives too. The misuse of the internet by anti-social elements has been one of the key considerations making the Indian government tread with caution in fully restarting internet services in Kashmir post the revocation of Article 370 in August. Gadgets in a way have become our companion. People tend to spend 14-16 hours with them, even keeping them besides them when sleeping. We get a high when we see our gadgets instantly obeying our commands. However, we become restless and aggressive when our friends and family refuse to respond or interact in the same vein. This needs to be addressed. Gadgets should be used for constructive purposes – learning a new skill, course, meditating, exploring new places or reading something positive. Way forward Great things have been accomplished through non-violence. J. Krishnamurti, the enlightened author of Beyond Violence, once wrote: “Violence is like a stone dropped in a lake: the waves spread and spread; at the centre is the ‘me’. As long as the ‘me’ survives in any form, very subtly or grossly, there must be violence.” There is a mystical incident -- Towards the end of the British Rule in India, when the independence movement was at its peak, some British soldiers captured a Hindu saint on the suspicion that he was a spy. This saint was passing through a military cantonment area, and he had been in silence – observing a Maun Vrat – for 30 years. The soldiers interrogated him, but he chose not to break his “Maun Vrat” (silence). This unusual behaviour strengthened their suspicion and the soldiers became so furious, they stuck a bayonet in his chest. In his last moment, the saint uttered one Sanskrit word: 'Tattvamasi', meaning ‘That Art Thou’. It implies that even the killer is divine even though he is not aware of his divinity. Non-violence simply means you should be so powerful that nobody can undermine you by being violent towards you. It should not be out of weakness but out of power. Being powerful, you shouldn’t hurt or kill the latter, but rather protect them. You could even empower the other by educating him to shun the path of ignorance, of violence and come back into the mainstream. So, my idea of nonviolence is different from Mahavir, Buddha and Gandhi. My idea is non-violence should be out of an abundance of power. Don’t use that power to kill, to destroy; but use that power to create, enlighten and protect. And if anybody tries to harm you or anybody else, do everything to prevent that harm. Violence has to be completely removed from the world, but it can happen only if nonviolent people are powerful; otherwise, how can you manage? If violent people are powerful and non-violent people are powerless, then the violent people will overrule the non-violent. That has been our experience of two thousand years. I don’t support weakness. I support power; but power with compassion, love and creativity. Given my more than two decades of experience of working in Kashmir, North-east, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Nepal, it is clear that people could be transformed and be made to shun violence by educating them about the constructive power of non-violence and by hearing to them non-judgmentally with compassion. Furthermore, I feel that all the pressing issues in the world can only be solved through dialogue, and not war or bullets. Be it the decades of civil strife in Columbia or the centuries-long dispute pertaining to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, both of which witnessed widespread bloodshed in the past, all have been resolved amicably through discussion and dialogue, thus setting a new precedence for our future generations. Role of spirituality In the prevailing times, the role of spirituality in addressing violence can’t be under-emphasized. Turning to holy scriptures irrespective of religion, their correct interpretation and education, yoga and meditation can go a long way in creating a society filled with tolerance and compassion. The United Nations recognising the significance of Yoga and declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga is laudable in this context. Yoga and meditation is also being taught across prisons the world over and has found a large number of takers. Many convicts feel their life would have been different had they been introduced to it earlier. It needs to start from our families Addressing the growing incidents of violence and preventing the societal fabric from deteriorating has become our moral responsibility. Spreading peace and compassion needs to start from our homes. By treating our loved ones with compassion, we can surely encourage them to do the same with others and hope this to have a spiral effect. At the same time, it becomes important to turn to our scriptures. The tenets of non-violence have been extensively propagated for long by them. The mention of non-violence comes before truth in the highly revered Patanjali Yoga Sutra. Feeling of belongingness and treating others with respect has been one of the key pillars of India’s tradition. It was among the first countries in the world to propagate the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, a Sanskrit phrase found in the Maha Upanishad, meaning "the world is one family". It is these ideals which made India to welcome thinkers, scholars and visitors from all over the world. India never attacked any country on its own in the known history and never tried to colonise any part of the world. It neither advocated that our truth is the only truth nor projected others as non-believers and sinners. India was and will continue to remain a melting pot of the peaceful co-existence of several religions, languages, dialects and cultures. Even as greed, materialism and religious dogma dominate the world, India, despite its shortcomings, still holds the torch that can light a new flame of awakening. The country is well-equipped to deal with any differences of opinion in a peaceful manner If we all – individuals, society, governments, world leaders, NGOs, civil society, spiritual organisations work in unison for fostering brotherhood and peace, a world without violence is surely attainable. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Power of non-violence: Issues must be resolved through dialogue, and not violence

By Feyzi Ismail

The first two decades of the 21st century saw the return of mass movements to streets around the world. Partly a product of sinking confidence in mainstream politics, mass mobilisation has had a huge impact on both official politics and wider society, and protest has become the form of political expression to which millions of people turn.

2019 has ended with protests on a global scale, most notably in Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, Hong Kong and across India, which has recently flared up against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Citizenship Amendment Act. In some cases, protests are explicitly against neoliberal reforms, or against legal changes that threaten civil liberties. In others, they are against inaction over the climate crisis, now driven by a generation of young people new to politics in dozens of countries.

As we end a turbulent two decades of protest – the subject of much of my own teaching and ongoing research – what will be the shape of protest in the 2020s?

What’s changed in the 21st century

Following moments of open class warfare in the late 1960s and early 1970s, battles against the political and economic order became fragmented, trade unions were attacked, the legacy of the anti-colonial struggles was eroded and the history of the period was recast by the establishment to undermine its potency. In the post-Cold War era, a new phase of protest finally began to overcome these defeats.

This revival of protest exploded onto the political scene most visibly in Seattle outside the World Trade Organization summit in 1999. If 1968 was one of the high points of radical struggle in the 20th century, protest in the early 2000s once again began to reflect a general critique of the capitalist system, with solidarity forged across different sections of society.

The birth of the anti-globalisation movement in Seattle was followed by extraordinary mobilisations outside gatherings of the global economic elite. Alternative spaces were also created for the global justice movement to connect, most notably the World Social Forums (WSFs), starting with Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2001. It was here that questions over what position the anti-globalisation movement should take over the Iraq War, for example, were discussed and debated. Though the WSFs provided an important rallying point for a time, they ultimately evaded politics.

The global anti-war movement led to the biggest co-ordinated demonstrations in the history of protest on February 15 2003, in which millions of people demonstrated in over 800 cities, creating a crisis of democracy around the US and UK-led intervention in Iraq.

In the years leading up to and following the banking crisis of 2008, food riots and anti-austerity protests escalated around the world. In parts of the Middle East and North Africa, protests achieved insurrectionary proportions, with the overthrow of one dictator after another. After the Arab Spring was thwarted by counter-revolution, the Occupy movement and then Black Lives Matter gained global attention. While the public, urban square became a central focus for protest, social media became an important – but by no means exclusive – organising tool.

To varying degrees, these movements sharply raised the question of political transformation but didn’t find new ways of institutionalising popular power. The result was that in a number of situations, protest movements fell back on widely distrusted parliamentary processes to try and pursue their political aims. The results of this parliamentary turn have not been impressive.

Crisis of representation 
​​​​​​​ 
On the one hand, the first two decades of the 21st century have seen soaring inequality, accompanied by debt and the neglect of working people. On the other, there have been poor results from purely parliamentary attempts to challenge it. There is, in other words, a deep crisis of representation.

The inability of modern capitalism to deliver more than survival for many has combined with a general critique of neoliberal capitalism to create a situation in which wider and wider sections of society are being drawn into protest. More than a million people have poured onto the streets of Lebanon since mid-October and protests continue despite a violent crackdown by security forces.

At the same time, people are less and less willing to accept unrepresentative politicians – and this is likely to continue in the future. From Lebanon and Iraq to Chile and Hong Kong, mass mobilisations continue despite resignations and concessions.

In Britain, the Labour Party’s defeat in the recent general election is attributed largely to its failure to accept the 2016 referendum result over EU membership. Decades of loyalty to the Labour Party for many and a socialist leader in Jeremy Corbyn calling for an end to austerity couldn’t cut through to enough of the millions who voted for Brexit.

In France, a general strike in December 2019 over President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reforms has revealed the extent of opposition that people feel towards his government. This comes barely a year after the start of the Yellow Vest movement, in which people have protested against fuel price hikes and the precariousness of their lives.

The tendency towards street protest will be encouraged too by the climate crisis, whose effects mean that the most heavily exploited, including along race and gender lines, have the most to lose. When the protests in Lebanon broke out, they were taking place alongside rampant wildfires.

Thinking strategically

As protesters gain experience, they consciously bring to the fore questions of leadership and organisation. In Lebanon and Iraq there has already been a conscious effort to overcome traditional sectarian divides. Debates are also raging in protest movements from Algeria to Chile about how to fuse economic and political demands in a more strategic manner. The goal is to make political and economic demands inseparable, such that it’s impossible for a government to make political concessions without making economic ones too.

As the 2020s begin, it’s clear we’re living in an unprecedented moment: a climate emergency and ecological breakdown, a brewing global financial crisis, deepening inequality, trade wars, and growing threats of more imperialist wars and militarisation.

There has also been a resurgence of the far right in many countries, emboldened most visibly by parties and politicians in the US, Brazil, India and many parts of Europe. This resurgence, however, has not gone unchallenged.

The convergence of crisis on these multiple fronts will reach breaking point, creating conditions that will become intolerable for most people. This will galvanise more protest and more polarisation. As governments respond with reforms, such measures on their own will be unlikely to meet the combination of political and economic demands. The question of how to create new vehicles of representation to assert popular control over the economy will keep emerging. The fortunes of popular protest may well depend on whether the collective leadership of the movements can provide answers to it.

(Feyzi Ismail is Senior Teaching Fellow, SOAS, University of London)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/protest-has-helped-define-the-first-two-decades-of-the-21st-century-heres-whats-next-128745"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Feyzi Ismail The first two decades of the 21st century saw the return of mass movements to streets around the world. Partly a product of sinking confidence in mainstream politics, mass mobilisation has had a huge impact on both official politics and wider society, and protest has become the form of political expression to which millions of people turn.

By Feyzi Ismail The first two decades of the 21st century saw the return of mass movements to streets around the world. Partly a product of sinking confidence in mainstream politics, mass mobilisation has had a huge impact on both official politics and wider society, and protest has become the form of political expression to which millions of people turn. 2019 has ended with protests on a global scale, most notably in Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, Hong Kong and across India, which has recently flared up against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Citizenship Amendment Act. In some cases, protests are explicitly against neoliberal reforms, or against legal changes that threaten civil liberties. In others, they are against inaction over the climate crisis, now driven by a generation of young people new to politics in dozens of countries. As we end a turbulent two decades of protest – the subject of much of my own teaching and ongoing research – what will be the shape of protest in the 2020s? What’s changed in the 21st century Following moments of open class warfare in the late 1960s and early 1970s, battles against the political and economic order became fragmented, trade unions were attacked, the legacy of the anti-colonial struggles was eroded and the history of the period was recast by the establishment to undermine its potency. In the post-Cold War era, a new phase of protest finally began to overcome these defeats. This revival of protest exploded onto the political scene most visibly in Seattle outside the World Trade Organization summit in 1999. If 1968 was one of the high points of radical struggle in the 20th century, protest in the early 2000s once again began to reflect a general critique of the capitalist system, with solidarity forged across different sections of society. The birth of the anti-globalisation movement in Seattle was followed by extraordinary mobilisations outside gatherings of the global economic elite. Alternative spaces were also created for the global justice movement to connect, most notably the World Social Forums (WSFs), starting with Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2001. It was here that questions over what position the anti-globalisation movement should take over the Iraq War, for example, were discussed and debated. Though the WSFs provided an important rallying point for a time, they ultimately evaded politics. The global anti-war movement led to the biggest co-ordinated demonstrations in the history of protest on February 15 2003, in which millions of people demonstrated in over 800 cities, creating a crisis of democracy around the US and UK-led intervention in Iraq. In the years leading up to and following the banking crisis of 2008, food riots and anti-austerity protests escalated around the world. In parts of the Middle East and North Africa, protests achieved insurrectionary proportions, with the overthrow of one dictator after another. After the Arab Spring was thwarted by counter-revolution, the Occupy movement and then Black Lives Matter gained global attention. While the public, urban square became a central focus for protest, social media became an important – but by no means exclusive – organising tool. To varying degrees, these movements sharply raised the question of political transformation but didn’t find new ways of institutionalising popular power. The result was that in a number of situations, protest movements fell back on widely distrusted parliamentary processes to try and pursue their political aims. The results of this parliamentary turn have not been impressive. Crisis of representation On the one hand, the first two decades of the 21st century have seen soaring inequality, accompanied by debt and the neglect of working people. On the other, there have been poor results from purely parliamentary attempts to challenge it. There is, in other words, a deep crisis of representation. The inability of modern capitalism to deliver more than survival for many has combined with a general critique of neoliberal capitalism to create a situation in which wider and wider sections of society are being drawn into protest. More than a million people have poured onto the streets of Lebanon since mid-October and protests continue despite a violent crackdown by security forces. At the same time, people are less and less willing to accept unrepresentative politicians – and this is likely to continue in the future. From Lebanon and Iraq to Chile and Hong Kong, mass mobilisations continue despite resignations and concessions. In Britain, the Labour Party’s defeat in the recent general election is attributed largely to its failure to accept the 2016 referendum result over EU membership. Decades of loyalty to the Labour Party for many and a socialist leader in Jeremy Corbyn calling for an end to austerity couldn’t cut through to enough of the millions who voted for Brexit. In France, a general strike in December 2019 over President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reforms has revealed the extent of opposition that people feel towards his government. This comes barely a year after the start of the Yellow Vest movement, in which people have protested against fuel price hikes and the precariousness of their lives. The tendency towards street protest will be encouraged too by the climate crisis, whose effects mean that the most heavily exploited, including along race and gender lines, have the most to lose. When the protests in Lebanon broke out, they were taking place alongside rampant wildfires. Thinking strategically As protesters gain experience, they consciously bring to the fore questions of leadership and organisation. In Lebanon and Iraq there has already been a conscious effort to overcome traditional sectarian divides. Debates are also raging in protest movements from Algeria to Chile about how to fuse economic and political demands in a more strategic manner. The goal is to make political and economic demands inseparable, such that it’s impossible for a government to make political concessions without making economic ones too. As the 2020s begin, it’s clear we’re living in an unprecedented moment: a climate emergency and ecological breakdown, a brewing global financial crisis, deepening inequality, trade wars, and growing threats of more imperialist wars and militarisation. There has also been a resurgence of the far right in many countries, emboldened most visibly by parties and politicians in the US, Brazil, India and many parts of Europe. This resurgence, however, has not gone unchallenged. The convergence of crisis on these multiple fronts will reach breaking point, creating conditions that will become intolerable for most people. This will galvanise more protest and more polarisation. As governments respond with reforms, such measures on their own will be unlikely to meet the combination of political and economic demands. The question of how to create new vehicles of representation to assert popular control over the economy will keep emerging. The fortunes of popular protest may well depend on whether the collective leadership of the movements can provide answers to it. (Feyzi Ismail is Senior Teaching Fellow, SOAS, University of London) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Protests have helped define first two decades of 21st century – here’s what’s next

How The World Approaches The Issue Of Recovery Of Damage To Property Due To Protests.

Gravitas: Recovery of damage to property: The global picture

U.P. Government Claims Damage To Property Due To Violent Anti-CAA Protests From 28 People.

Gravitas: Anti-CAA Protests: 28 people receive notices in Rampur district

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the destruction of the public property during the violent protests. He also praised Uttar Pradesh police for the way they dealt with the protesters. #WION #AntiCAAProtests

Anti-CAA Protests: Notice seeking recovery sent to protesters

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on December 26 said that the students in several universities and colleges are leading masses and crowds to carry out arson and violence in the name of protests and this is not leadership. #WION #BipinRawat #AntiCAAProtests

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat slams violent protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-makes-for-not-so-merry-christmas-travel-in-france-269597">Protests continue to soar</a> in France as demonstrators today got into a scuffle with the police. The events unfolded at the Gare de Lyon station in Paris.&nbsp;

People have been protesting against the plans by French President Emmanuel Macron to change the country's pension system.&nbsp;

According to a French TV station ''BFM'', the riot police got into an altercation with around 30 protesters at one of the busiest stations in Paris.

Watch:&nbsp;France Protests -&nbsp;Protest against pension reforms

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-protests-protest-against-pension-reforms-266756/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Protesters ticked off flares and fireworks, which releases smoke that heaved the whole station.

Due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-to-give-up-presidential-pension-in-reform-gesture-269578">ongoing protests</a>, many stations in Paris have been affected. These include Gare du Nord, which takes care of the Eurostar services to London and Brussels, as well as the Gare de l'Est.

"I understand (the strike) but I am not OK with it as I think all French people are being held hostage and it is difficult for us to understand what the goal is," a commuter told Reuters at the Gare de L'Est station.

France has witnessed two weeks of nationwide industrial action against Macron's pension reform. If the reform is set into motion, &nbsp;special pensions for many public sector staff would be scrapped. This would effectively make people work until 64 to draw a full pension.

French PM Emmanuel Macron recently announced that he would forego a presidential pension payout after stepping down.&nbsp;

France's oil sector workers are also expected to vote in favour of shutting down oil refineries as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-thousands-protest-in-france-over-pension-reform-plans-268811">part of the protest</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

Protests continue to soar in France as demonstrators today got into a scuffle with the police. The events unfolded at the Gare de Lyon station in Paris. People have been protesting against the plans by French President Emmanuel Macron to change the country's pension system.

Protests continue to soar in France as demonstrators today got into a scuffle with the police. The events unfolded at the Gare de Lyon station in Paris. People have been protesting against the plans by French President Emmanuel Macron to change the country's pension system. According to a French TV station ''BFM'', the riot police got into an altercation with around 30 protesters at one of the busiest stations in Paris. Watch: France Protests - Protest against pension reforms Protesters ticked off flares and fireworks, which releases smoke that heaved the whole station. Due to the ongoing protests, many stations in Paris have been affected. These include Gare du Nord, which takes care of the Eurostar services to London and Brussels, as well as the Gare de l'Est. "I understand (the strike) but I am not OK with it as I think all French people are being held hostage and it is difficult for us to understand what the goal is," a commuter told Reuters at the Gare de L'Est station. France has witnessed two weeks of nationwide industrial action against Macron's pension reform. If the reform is set into motion, special pensions for many public sector staff would be scrapped. This would effectively make people work until 64 to draw a full pension. French PM Emmanuel Macron recently announced that he would forego a presidential pension payout after stepping down. France's oil sector workers are also expected to vote in favour of shutting down oil refineries as part of the protest. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Protests against pension reform continue, scuffle breaks out at Gare de Lyon station

After six months of demonstrations in the city, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-next-hong-kongers-rally-for-chinas-uighurs-269572">Hong Kong</a> is preparing for a fresh wave of protests in the Christmas week.&nbsp;

The protesters are planning to convene in districts across the city, including locations like prime shopping malls. On Christmas eve, protesters are planning to meet in five malls, counting down to Christmas near the city's harbourfront.&nbsp;

Yesterday, masked demonstrators attacked the police physically and threw bricks and bottles.

The police's response to this included bursts of pepper spray. As Reuters reported, one officer drew his weapon out but did not fire it.

Hong Kongers have been protesting against Chinese interference in the city's affairs. The city, as per the ''One country, two systems'' scheme was guaranteed freedoms when the British left in 1997.

China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place.

Watch:&nbsp;Violent clashes at Uighur support rally in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-violent-clashes-at-uighur-support-rally-269595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Instances of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-who-at-officers-seize-guns-269548">police brutality</a> have been causing a major uproar, with many demanding an independent investigation into it. The police have consistently denied using excessive force.

Earlier on Sunday, more than 1,000 people rallied in support of China's ethnic Uighur Muslims, who have been detained en masse in camps in China's northwestern Xinjiang region.

Beijing and Hong Kong's government have made clear any call for independence would never be tolerated.

"Advocating Hong Kong independence ... is not conducive to the overall and long term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong," the city government said in a statement overnight.

The protests, which are now running into its six month, have become <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-face-off-with-police-in-mall-protests-269485">less violent and organised</a>. Since June this year, more than 6,000 people have been arrested.

In the last weekend alone, 52 people were arrested.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After six months of demonstrations in the city, Hong Kong is preparing for a fresh wave of protests in the Christmas week. The protesters are planning to convene in districts across the city, including locations like prime shopping malls.

After six months of demonstrations in the city, Hong Kong is preparing for a fresh wave of protests in the Christmas week. The protesters are planning to convene in districts across the city, including locations like prime shopping malls. On Christmas eve, protesters are planning to meet in five malls, counting down to Christmas near the city's harbourfront. Yesterday, masked demonstrators attacked the police physically and threw bricks and bottles. The police's response to this included bursts of pepper spray. As Reuters reported, one officer drew his weapon out but did not fire it. Hong Kongers have been protesting against Chinese interference in the city's affairs. The city, as per the ''One country, two systems'' scheme was guaranteed freedoms when the British left in 1997. China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place. Watch: Violent clashes at Uighur support rally in Hong Kong Instances of police brutality have been causing a major uproar, with many demanding an independent investigation into it. The police have consistently denied using excessive force. Earlier on Sunday, more than 1,000 people rallied in support of China's ethnic Uighur Muslims, who have been detained en masse in camps in China's northwestern Xinjiang region. Beijing and Hong Kong's government have made clear any call for independence would never be tolerated. "Advocating Hong Kong independence ... is not conducive to the overall and long term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong," the city government said in a statement overnight. The protests, which are now running into its six month, have become less violent and organised. Since June this year, more than 6,000 people have been arrested. In the last weekend alone, 52 people were arrested. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Protests planned across city during Christmas week after massive Uighur rally

Around 879 people have been arrested while 5000 were put in custody as a preventive measure in Uttar Pradesh. Violent protests have taken over the state of Uttar Pradesh in the backdrop of the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protests-bullet-pierces-through-cops-vest-gets-stuck-in-wallet-269531">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> alongside the proposed National Register of Citizens, ANI reported.

"Adequate police arrangements have been made in all districts in the wake of protests. Police, Paramilitary, Rapid Action Force (RAF), PAC, Quick Reaction Team (QRTs) are patrolling the areas," said OP Singh, Director General of Police (DGP), UP. 
 
"Till now, 879 people have been arrested under substantive offences while 5000 persons who may instigate violence or vitiate atmosphere are bound down on the basis of suspicion," he added. 
 
"A total of 135 criminal cases have been registered against the miscreants. Fifteen people have died while 288 police personnel are injured," said the top cop.

He said that police officials and civil administration are reaching out to community members and their leaders, requesting them to cooperate in maintaining law and order

He added that damage to public property is being assessed and soon action would be taken against those involved, including confiscation of their properties to compensate for the losses. 
 
"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protest-section-144-imposed-in-uttarakhands-haridwar-269496">Damage assessment</a> of the public property is being done. Those involved will compensate the loss else their property would be confiscated to pay for the damage to public property," said Singh. 
 
Violence erupted in different parts of Uttar Pradesh during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and proposed NRC with reported incidences of stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism that led to the death of 15 persons.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 879 people have been arrested while 5000 were put in custody as a preventive measure in Uttar Pradesh. Violent protests have taken over the state of Uttar Pradesh in the backdrop of the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act alongside the proposed National Register of Citizens, ANI reported.

Around 879 people have been arrested while 5000 were put in custody as a preventive measure in Uttar Pradesh. Violent protests have taken over the state of Uttar Pradesh in the backdrop of the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act alongside the proposed National Register of Citizens, ANI reported. "Adequate police arrangements have been made in all districts in the wake of protests. Police, Paramilitary, Rapid Action Force (RAF), PAC, Quick Reaction Team (QRTs) are patrolling the areas," said OP Singh, Director General of Police (DGP), UP. "Till now, 879 people have been arrested under substantive offences while 5000 persons who may instigate violence or vitiate atmosphere are bound down on the basis of suspicion," he added. "A total of 135 criminal cases have been registered against the miscreants. Fifteen people have died while 288 police personnel are injured," said the top cop. He said that police officials and civil administration are reaching out to community members and their leaders, requesting them to cooperate in maintaining law and order He added that damage to public property is being assessed and soon action would be taken against those involved, including confiscation of their properties to compensate for the losses. "Damage assessment of the public property is being done. Those involved will compensate the loss else their property would be confiscated to pay for the damage to public property," said Singh. Violence erupted in different parts of Uttar Pradesh during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and proposed NRC with reported incidences of stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism that led to the death of 15 persons. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-CAA protests in UP: 879 arrested, 15 dead, 5000 in preventive custody

A police constable in Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad had a narrow escape from death on Saturday after a bullet fired during a protest here pierced through his bulletproof vest and got stuck in his wallet. 
 
Constable Vijendra Kumar says that he feels like he has been granted a second life. 
 
"I was on duty in the Nalband area when some of the protestors opened fire at us. The bullet pierced my bullet vest and got stuck in the wallet that was kept in the pocket of my jacket. There were 4 ATM cards and some pictures of Shiv Ji and Sai Baba. It feels like this is my second life," Kumar said. 
 
According to police, the law and order situation in the region is under control now. 
 
"This goes to show that Uttar Pradesh police is committed to the service of the public and that the safety and security of the people is our first priority. The situation is under control now and appropriate forces have been deployed in sensitive areas," a senior police officer said. 
 
So far, fifteen persons have died during protests against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protests-internet-services-to-remain-suspended-in-ghaziabad-till-saturday-morning-269411">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a>, 2019, in Uttar Pradesh. At least 263 police personnel were injured in the protests, of which 57 personnel have received firearm injuries. 
 
State Inspector General (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar has said that 705 persons have been arrested in connection with the violent protests while 4,500 others were released after preventive detention. 
 
Kumar said that a large number of illegal weapons were used in the violence during protests and a total of 405 bullet shells of the country-made pistol were recovered from protest sites. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-a-ticking-ignorance-bomb-and-a-sheer-vandalism-with-truth-269453">Clashes also took place during protests</a> in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Bahraich, Bareilly, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Gorakhpur and Sambhal on Friday.

A police constable in Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad had a narrow escape from death on Saturday after a bullet fired during a protest here pierced through his bulletproof vest and got stuck in his wallet.

A police constable in Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad had a narrow escape from death on Saturday after a bullet fired during a protest here pierced through his bulletproof vest and got stuck in his wallet. Constable Vijendra Kumar says that he feels like he has been granted a second life. "I was on duty in the Nalband area when some of the protestors opened fire at us. The bullet pierced my bullet vest and got stuck in the wallet that was kept in the pocket of my jacket. There were 4 ATM cards and some pictures of Shiv Ji and Sai Baba. It feels like this is my second life," Kumar said. According to police, the law and order situation in the region is under control now. "This goes to show that Uttar Pradesh police is committed to the service of the public and that the safety and security of the people is our first priority. The situation is under control now and appropriate forces have been deployed in sensitive areas," a senior police officer said. So far, fifteen persons have died during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, in Uttar Pradesh. At least 263 police personnel were injured in the protests, of which 57 personnel have received firearm injuries. State Inspector General (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar has said that 705 persons have been arrested in connection with the violent protests while 4,500 others were released after preventive detention. Kumar said that a large number of illegal weapons were used in the violence during protests and a total of 405 bullet shells of the country-made pistol were recovered from protest sites. Clashes also took place during protests in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Bahraich, Bareilly, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Gorakhpur and Sambhal on Friday.

CAA protests: Bullet pierces through cop's vest, gets stuck in wallet

''CAA will benefit the marginalised'', announced&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unity-in-diversity-is-indias-speciality-amid-nationwide-protests-pm-modi-addresses-a-rally-in-delhis-ramlila-ground-269566">Bharatiya Janta Party rally in Delhi's Ramlila ground</a>.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has triggered protests across the country, which has taken the lives of more than 20 people, with around 15 dead in Uttar Pradesh alone.

While invoking the contribution of the authorities, especially alluding to the violent protests, Modi said that 33,000 police personnel sacrificed their lives for peace and security in the country since independence.&nbsp;''Today, you are brutally thrashing them. When any problem arises, police don't ask your religion or caste, whatever the weather or time they are there to help you'', he said.

While talking about the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Prime Minister attacked the opposition and its ''friends'', saying that ''Urban Naxals are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-in-up-879-arrested-15-dead-5000-in-preventive-custody-269553">spreading rumours</a> that all Muslims will be sent to detention centres''.&nbsp;

Commanding the crowd to respect their education, Modi said ''Read what is Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC. You are educated''.

Additionally, he lashed out at the Congress party, saying ''NRC came at the time of Congress. Were they sleeping then? We neither brought NRC in cabinet nor in Parliament. If we're passing legislation to give you ownership rights, in the same session will we bring legislation to send you out?''.

Intending to simplify the tenets of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-polls-pm-modi-urges-voters-to-vote-in-record-numbers-in-fifth-phase-269265">new citizenship bill</a>, Modi said, ''There is a very simple difference, an infiltrator never reveals his identity and a refugee never hides his identity. Many of these infiltrators are coming out and speaking. Why don't they speak the truth? They are scared that their reality will come out''.

(With inputs from ANI)

''CAA will benefit the marginalised'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at a Bharatiya Janta Party rally in Delhi's Ramlila ground. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has triggered protests across the country, which has taken the lives of more than 20 people, with around 15 dead in Uttar Pradesh alone.

''CAA will benefit the marginalised'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at a Bharatiya Janta Party rally in Delhi's Ramlila ground. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has triggered protests across the country, which has taken the lives of more than 20 people, with around 15 dead in Uttar Pradesh alone. While invoking the contribution of the authorities, especially alluding to the violent protests, Modi said that 33,000 police personnel sacrificed their lives for peace and security in the country since independence. ''Today, you are brutally thrashing them. When any problem arises, police don't ask your religion or caste, whatever the weather or time they are there to help you'', he said. While talking about the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Prime Minister attacked the opposition and its ''friends'', saying that ''Urban Naxals are spreading rumours that all Muslims will be sent to detention centres''. Commanding the crowd to respect their education, Modi said ''Read what is Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC. You are educated''. Additionally, he lashed out at the Congress party, saying ''NRC came at the time of Congress. Were they sleeping then? We neither brought NRC in cabinet nor in Parliament. If we're passing legislation to give you ownership rights, in the same session will we bring legislation to send you out?''. Intending to simplify the tenets of the new citizenship bill, Modi said, ''There is a very simple difference, an infiltrator never reveals his identity and a refugee never hides his identity. Many of these infiltrators are coming out and speaking. Why don't they speak the truth? They are scared that their reality will come out''. (With inputs from ANI)

'CAA will benefit marginalised': PM Modi asks people to not trust rumour-mongers at BJP rally in Delhi

Section 144 will be imposed in Bangaluru for the next three days as protests have been planned over the implementation of the CAA and NRC. Under section 144 assembly of more than 4 people is prohibited.

Section 144 to be imposed in Bangaluru over CAA protests

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