Court Slams Delhi Police Over Azad’s Arrest, Verdict on 15 Jan
Catch all the live updates on the protests against the amended Citizenship Act here.
Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Tuesday, 14 January, adjourned the hearing on Bhim Army Chief Chandrasekhar's bail plea in the Daryaganj violence case till Wednesday, so that the state can produce all FIRs registered against him in Saharanpur.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Police to look into restrictions on Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch. The road has been closed ever since the anti-CAA protests began in December.
The Kerala government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against the contentious act, becoming the first state to challenge it in court.
- Jamia students gheraoed the VC’s office on Monday, demanding registration of an FIR against Delhi Police over violence on the campus
- Congress President Sonia Gandhi called a meeting of Opposition leaders on Monday to chalk out a strategy on protests over CAA and NRC
- Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Monday said implementing NRC across the nation is “needless and has no justification”
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BJP Releases Toll Free Number to Register Support For CAA
Bolstering its nation-wide outreach on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the BJP on Thursday evening released a toll free number where people can give a missed call and register their support for the legislation.
Amit Shah to Kickstart BJP's Mass Awareness Campaign on CAA From Rajasthan
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will kickstart the BJP's outreach programme from Rajasthan's Jodhpur on Friday, 3 January, to allay fears regarding the amended Citizenship Act.
'India Has Rich Heritage, Why Compare Nation With Pak': Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday, 3 January, hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking why he frequently compares India with Pakistan, according to PTI.
Banerjee, while addressing an anti-citizenship law rally in Siliguri, said it is a shame that even after 70 years of independence, people have to prove their nationality.
"Are you the prime minister of India or the ambassador of Pakistan," Mamata asked.
She also accused the BJP of "deliberately" creating confusion over the implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying its leaders have been making contradictory statements on the issue.
'Opposition Trying to Provoke Communal Sentiments': Ram Madhav
BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav on Friday, 3 January, hit out at the Opposition over the amended Citizenship Act and said they are “trying to spread falsehood about this important humanitarian gesture for political gains,” according to ANI.
“They are trying to provoke communal sentiments and the Muslim community,” Madhav alleged.
3 Activists Charged With Harming National Integration Using Pamphlets in UP
The Uttar Pradesh police charged three activists in Varanasi with promoting enmity between groups and harming national integration by distributing pamphlets against the amended Citizenship Act and the National Register of Citizens, Scroll reported.
The pamphlet allegedly contained a call for protests on 19 December.
The First Information Report against the unknown persons was filed on 18 December, based on the pamphlets which were found lying on the road in the Naria Tiraha area.
Three activists – Manish Sharma, Anoop Shramik and SP Rai – were allegedly identified using the phone numbers found on the pamphlet, Scroll reported.
'Govt Will Not Back Out on CAA': Union Min Amit Shah
Kickstarting BJP’s mass outreach programme to allay fears regarding the amended Citizenship Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, 3 January, said the “CAA will not affect anyone’s citizenship.”
“The government will not back out on CAA. The law is not against minorities,” Shah said.
Shah also alleged the Congress of launching a “misinformation campaign” on CAA.
Protest Against CAA, NRC in Bengaluru
A massive protest is being held against Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens, at Eidgah-e-Jadeed in Bengaluru.
SIT Probing to Check for Common Link in CAA Protests
A Special Investigating Team is probing if there's common link in all the protests against CAA. SIT will be speaking to the already arrested accused at Tihar Jail. They will also be finding what was source of such huge gathering especially in Seelampur and the Daryaganj case.
BJP Legislator Issues Warning to CAA Protesters in Karnataka
BJP legislator Somashekar Reddy issued a warning to CAA protesters in Karnataka’s Bellary district.
Protest Against CAA, NRC in Kolkata
Members of LGBT community, Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee and students of Jadavpur University are holding a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC, in Kolkata.
Vijayan Writes to 11 Non-BJP CMS for United Stand Against CAA
Days after a Kerala Assembly resolution demanded that the CAA be scrapped, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday wrote to 11 non-BJP chief ministers asking them to take similar steps against the controversial law and pitching for unity to protect democracy and secularism.
The Kerala assembly had on Tuesday passed the resolution -- supported by ruling CPIM-led LDF and opposition Congress headed UDF -- demanding the repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Kerala became the first state to take such a course amid the continuing protests against the citizenship law in various parts of the country.
Vijayan, who has been strident in his opposition to the CAA, wrote to chief ministers of 11 states, including Bihar's Nitish Kumar, an ally of BJP, saying there was need to stand united in preserving the country's democracy and secularism.
SP Promises Pension for Anti-CAA Protesters; BJP Terms It a Move to Honour 'Rioters'
The Samajwadi Party on Friday promised pension for anti-CAA protesters if voted to power, drawing a sharp reaction from the ruling BJP which said it was in the "DNA of that party to honour rioters and anti-social elements".
Leader of the Opposition in the UP Legislative Assembly, Ram Goving Chaudhary, said their party would also give compensation to the kin of those jailed or killed during anti-CAA protests in the state.
"If our party comes to power at the Centre and in UP, they (protesters) will be given pension as they have struggled to save the Constitution and the democracy," said Chaudhary responding to a question.
He said they protect all those who seek refuge from them.
'I Stand With You': Priyanka Gandhi Visits Muzzafarnagar
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday made an unscheduled visit to this western Uttar Pradesh town to meet the families of those who bore the brunt of the recent violent protests against the amended Citizenship Act.
The Congress general secretary visited the residences of some of those who were injured in the violence during the widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
"I will stand with you in this hour of distress," she told one of them.
Later she told mediapersons that people were beaten up mercilessly and even children and minors were not spared. A 22-year-old woman, who was seven-month pregnant, was also beaten up, she claimed.
Next Move on Deportation of Rohingya Refugees: Union Minister
Asserting that the Citizenship (Amendment) act (CAA) was implemented in Jammu and Kashmir the day it was passed by Parliament, Union minister Jitendra Singh on Friday said the government's next move would be regarding the deportation of Rohingya refugees as they will not be able to secure citizenship under the new law.
He demanded a probe into how the Rohingyas reached and settled down in the northern-most belt of Jammu after passing through several states from West Bengal.
"The CAA has been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir the day it was passed (by Parliament). There are no 'ifs' and 'buts', by implementation (of the CAA in Jammu and Kashmir), what would happen here is that the next move would be in relation to (the deportation) of Rohingyas," Singh said at a function.
The minister, who was addressing the officers of the Jammu and Kashmir government at a three-day training programme on the general fund rules here, pointed out that Jammu had a sizable population of Rohingyas.
'Will Hang You Upside Down': BJP Leader Warns Owaisi
BJP leader and Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind warned Asaduddin Owaisi that he will be “hanged upside down.”
Ant-CAA Protests Outside Bengaluru Townhall
People gathered outside Townhall in Bengaluru to protest against Citizenship Amendement Act.
Police Lathi-Charge Pro-CAA Protesters in Kolar
Police resorted to lathi-charge on people who were staging a demonstration in favour of Citizenship Amendement Act in Karnataka’s Kolar.
Thousands Protest Against NRC, NPR in Hyderabad
People gathered in large numbers against Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens and National Population Register in Hyderabad.
'Collection of Data for Bihar NPR from 15 May': Sushil Modi
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said a decision has been taken to update the National Population Register (NPR) in 2020. “Regarding this process, collection of data will be carried out from 15 to 28 May in Bihar,” Modi said, according to ANI.
Anti-CAA Stir: 10 Madrassa Students Held for Violence in Muzaffarnagar Granted Bail
Ten madrassa students held in connection with the violence that took place during anti-citizenship law protests in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar on 20 December, have been granted bail, PTI reported.
The students of the Madrassa Hoja Ilmiya were granted bail by a court on Saturday on the basis of a special investigation team (SIT) report that found no evidence against them.
The SIT found the students not involved in any serious offence and withdrew all charges against them except that of violation of prohibitory orders, the prosecution said.
Indian-Americans in Chicago Hold Rally in Support of CAA
Over 300 Indian-Americans held a rally in support of the recently enacted Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA in downtown Chicago on Saturday, 4 January, PTI reported.
The participants signed a memorandum supporting the CAA and thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the humanitarian help to religiously persecuted minorities in three neighbouring countries. The memorandum was forwarded to the Government of India through the Consul General of India in Chicago.
Women Residents of Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Jaanta Colony and Welcome Start Indefinite Dharna
Inspired by the protests at Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, women residents in the region’s Seelampur, Jaffrabad, Jaanta Colony and Welcome areas started an indefinite dharna from Sunday, 5 January, 12 pm in front of the Eid-gah in Jaffrabad.
Women residents from these areas have been organising and campaigning for the last many days against CAA-NPR-NRC.
Speaking to The Quint, the organiser of the protest said that the earlier location of the protest was near the Eidgah in Jaffrabad. However, the protest area was surrounded by police, and the roads to it blocked, so the protest has shifted to near the old central bank in Jaffrabad area.
Yediyurappa: Cong Creating Confusion Among Muslims
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday, 5 January, interacted with people in Bengaluru, as part of the BJP’s door-to-door campaign on the amended Citizenship Act, ANI reported.
“Congress is creating confusion among the Muslim community. Not a single Muslim will be affected because of CAA,” Yediyurappa said.
Give Citizenship to Hindu Migrants: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot to Shah
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot took a jibe at Home Minister Amit Shah today, stating that instead of provoking f people over Citizenship Amendment Act, he should have announced citizenship for Pakistan Hindu migrants living in Jodhpur and waiting for citizenship.
Further, Gehlot also accused Shah of politicising CAA and not providing any relief to the needy, reported The Times of India.
Shah Arrives in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar for Door-to-Door Awareness Campaign on CAA
Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi as a part of BJP's door-to-door campaign to create awareness on Citizenship Amendment Act.
Police Snatch Posters from Anti-CAA-NRC Protesters in Defence Colony
CAA Supporters Disrupt Protests at CP, Responded With National Anthem
Artists called to unite for a collective performance action in Connaught Place today against CAA, where two groups had a face-off, which was quickly prevented by the police.
One group, reportedly CAA supporters, barged in to the protest and shouted, "Jai Shri Ram" and "goli maaro saalo ko." A group of women protesters can be seen singing the national anthem while the police pushed them back.
After Reports of Shut Down, Protests at Shaheen Bagh Normal
After unconfirmed reports of the authorities shutting down protests at New Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, the protests at around midnight were carried out peacefully, with people showing up in large numbers.
Delhi Police Probing Allegations of Police Firing During CAA Protests: Officials
Delhi Police is probing recent incidents of violence and rioting, including allegations that police personnel resorted to firing during a protest against the amended Citizenship Act in southeast Delhi, officials said on Sunday, 5 January.
'It Is Compulsory to Protest': Irom Sharmila
Irom Sharmila, who undertook a fast for 16 years to against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, joined the protest in Bengaluru. She asked people to stay resilient in the face of state violence.
“In this society, it’s compulsory to protest. It is never a burden. However, we must keep our mind and body balanced,” she said.
‘Won’t Step Back’: Anti CAA Protests to Continue as Jamia Reopens
Students of Jamia Millia Islamia don’t plan to stop protesting against CAA and NRC as the university reopens on Monday, 6 January, and examinations draw closer.
Jamia’s gates were closed for 22 days after the police laid siege to the campus on 15 December.
“We will give our exams and we will protest. We will not step back,” a university student told The Quint.
5 Arrested, Sent to Judicial Custody in Seemapuri Violence, Including 2 Bangladeshi Nationals
A Special Investigation Team of Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested and sent 5 people to judicial custody, including 2 Bangladeshi nationals, in connection with violence in Delhi’s Seemapuri area, reports ANI.
Earlier, eleven protesters had been sent to judicial custody after things took a violent turn in East Delhi's Seempauri on 20 December, during protests against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019.
A Delhi Court will hear the bail plea of 10 of the accused on 8 January.
Court Extends Judicial Custody of All 15 Accused in Daryaganj Violence till 18 Jan
A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of all 15 accused of violence during the Anti-CAA protests in Daryaganj till 18 January. The court will hear the bail pleas of all the accused on Tuesday, reports ANI.
Two Bangladeshi's Arrested for 'Involvement' in Seemapuri Violence During Anti-CAA Protest
Two Bangladeshi nationals among five men have been arrested by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police for allegedly causing violence violence during an anti-CAA protest recently at Seempuri in North East Delhi, officials said on Monday.
Lawyers Read Preamble at the Supreme Court Lawns
In Delhi, a group of lawyers read the preamble of the constitution at Supreme Court lawns to make people remember constitutional values.Senior lawyers Kamini Jaiswal and Sanjay Parikh also present, reports ANI.
I Am Your 'Pehredar', Will Not Let Anyone Snatch People's Rights: Mamata
Contending that she was the custodian of people's rights, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she would not let anyone harm their interests.
Asserting that the agitation against National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) would go on as long as necessary, Banerjee said that she would do everything in her power to protect the people of the state, reported PTI.
Bail Plea Hearing of 15 Accused in Daryaganj Violence Tomorrow
Hearing of bail plea of 15 accused in Daryaganj violence during anti- Citizenship Act protests is to be heard on 8 January by presiding PO/MACT Kamini Lau, who has jurisdiction over bail matters of crime branch of central police district, reported ANI.
NESO, AASU Demand Scrapping of Caa; Vow to Continue Non-Violent Agitation
The North East Students' Organisation (NESO) and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on Tuesday, 7 January, demanded the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) be scrapped, saying they cannot allow “illegal Bangladeshis” to flood the region and rule over indigenous people.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, NESO and AASU adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya accused Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal of betraying the cause of the people of the state by supporting the newly enacted legislation.
“The CAA is communal and unconstitutional. We will continue our non-violent agitation against the new law till it is scrapped,” he said, reported PTI.
Court to Hear Bhim Army Chief's Plea for Medical Aid Tomorrow
A Delhi court will hear on Wednesday, 8 January, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad's plea for medical treatment.
The court has directed the Investigation Officer to submit the medical report before the court tomorrow, reported ANI.
Jadavpur Univ Students Protest Against JNU Attack, CAA & NRC
In West Bengal, Jadavpur University students hold protest in Hazra in Kolkata, against the JNU mob attack, the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC.
Huge Rally by BJP and Allies in Support of CAA
Ensure Law & Order During Trade Unions' Strike: HC to WB Govt
The Calcutta High CourT directed the West Bengal government to take necessary steps for ensuring law and order in the state in view of a nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions on Wednesday.
The high court was hearing a PIL moved by a practising lawyer seeking a direction to the state government to make sure that there is no disruption of normal life during the strike.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan and Justice Arijit Banerjee also directed the administration to ensure that examinations in colleges and competitive tests are not hampered owing to the strike.
Illegal Immigrants Can't Be Allowed to Protest CAA, They Will Have to Leave: Tiwari
Illegal immigrants cannot be allowed to hold protests against the CAA which has nothing to do with bonafide citizens of the country, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said on Wednesday.
Tiwari urged the protesters holding demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at Shaheen Bagh area in Delhi to end their road blockade saying they do not need to fear anything, reported PTI.
Centre Moves SC Over Pleas Challenging CAA
The Centre on Wednesday sought transfer of petitions pending before various High Courts challenging the CAA to the Supreme Court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the application and the CJI agreed to hear it on 10 January.
Hearing Over Urgent Medical Attention for Azad Adjourned Till 9 January
The matter of medical attention for Chandrashekhar Azad has been adjourned for 9 January, as the investigating officer did not submit a medical report, which he had been asked to do. However, Tihar Jail authorities have submitted a health report. The judge has said to give him urgent medical care if required till then.
Delhi Court to Hear Bail Pleas of Daryaganj, Seemapuri Violence Accused on Thursday
A Delhi court is set to hear the bail plea of the 15 accused in the Daryaganj violence case on Thursday, 9 January, at 2 pm, reported ANI.
The court will hear the bail plea of the 10 accused in the Seemapuri violence case immediately afterward, at 2:30 pm.
Court Directs Urgent Medical Treatment to Jailed Bhim Army Head
A Delhi court directed the Tihar jail authorities on Wednesday to provide urgent medical treatment to Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, arrested on 21 December in connection with violence during anti CAA protests in old Delhi's Daryaganj area, his lawyer said, reports PTI.
In a brief hearing on Wednesday, the jail authorities sought time to file Azad's medical report in response to his application seeking treatment at AIIMS.
The application claimed that Azad was suffering from polucythemia, a disorder of blood thickness, and "requires continuous checkup from the doctors concerned from AIIMS, who are supervising his treatment for a long time", according to the news agency.
BJP Workers Put Up 'India Supports CAA' Banner on College Walls, Allegedly Ask Students to Sign
A group of BJP workers put up a 'India supports CAA' banner on the walls of Jyothi Nivas College in Bengaluru on Wednesday, 8 January, and allegedly asked students to sign on it. A group of students took on these workers resulting in an argument.
Opposition Leaders May Join Yashwant Sinha's Yatra in Gujarat
Leaders of various opposition parties are expected to participate in former BJP leader Yashwant Sinhas yatra to protest against CAA-NRC in its Gujarat leg, a prominent member of the outfit organising the event said on Wednesday, reports PTI.
The Rashtra Manch, the non-political outfit floated by Sinha, a former Union minister, has organised the Mumbai-Delhi 'Gandhi Shanti Yatra'.
The 3,000-km-long yatra will start from Mumbai's Apollo Bunder on 9 January and pass through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana before culminating at Raj Ghat in Delhi on 30 January.
Delhi University Arts Faculty Students Stage Protest Against CAA
Around 1,000 students along with some human rights groups protested against the new citizenship law and a possible nationwide NRC at the Delhi University's Faculty of Arts on Wednesday, reading the preamble to the Constitution and singing the national anthem, reports PTI.
They took out a rally that passed through Ramjas College, KNC, Miranda House and returned to the Arts Faculty campus, where a public meeting and a demonstration were held beside the statue of Swami Vivekananda.
Natasha Narwal, an alumna of the college, who represented women's collective Pinjra Tod, said teachers also lent support to the students in the protest.
"Many students and even teachers boycotted lectures in several colleges from St. Stephen's to Ramjas and Miranda House, and joined the protest. Teachers lending support to the movement is a remarkable move," she said.
Students of SOAS Hold Protest at India High Commission in London
South Asian Students Against Fascism, UK and SOAS India Society staged a 12-hour sit-in at the India High Commission in London on 8 January in solidarity with the nationwide trade union strike in India and the continuing protests against the NRC and CAA.
The protest, which was attended by nearly 200 students and members of the diaspora over the course of the day, witnessed lectures by several academics on topics related to current political events in India, a theatre workshop, musical performances, collective singing, and sloganeering.
SC Refuses to Accord Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking to Declare CAA as Constitutional
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused urgent hearing of a plea seeking to declare the Citizenship Amendment Act as constitutional and a direction to all states seeking its implementation.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde expressed surprise over the petition and said this is the first time that someone is seeking that an Act be declared as constitutional.
"This court's job is to determine validity of a law and not declare it as constitutional," the bench also comprising justice B R Gavai and Surya Kant said.
The bench said it will hear the petitions challenging validity of CAA when violence stops.
Mamata Banerjee to Boycott 13 Jan Opposition Meet in Delhi
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to boycott the 13 January Opposition meeting in Delhi, alleging that Congress and Left are 'playing dirty politics in West Bengal' and that she will fight against CAA and NRC alone.
She also said that she does not support violence during anti-CAA stir and that political leaders should behave in a more responsible way.
Protest Against CAA in Bengaluru
Students from many colleges peacefully protest outside JNC college in Koramangala against CAA, NRC after female students of JNC were heckled on Wednesday.
As the video of the incident went viral, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai unanimously said they would get the matter investigated, reports PTI.
Two More Arrested in Muzaffarnagar for Violence During Anti-CAA Protests
The UP Police has arrested two more persons for allegedly indulging in violence during the anti-CAA protests in the state last month, police said on Thursday.
Dilshad and Sattar were arrested on Wednesday evening after they were identified on the basis of CCTV footage for throwing stones during the protest against the amended citizenship law on 20 December, SHO, Muzaffarnagar police station, Anil Kaparvan said.
With these fresh arrests, the total number of people apprehended in the district for their alleged involvement in the violence that broke out during the protest has gone up to 81.
The town in western Uttar Pradesh witnessed violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act after Friday prayers on 20 December. Incidents of stone-pelting, arson and loot were reported from some localities during which several protesters were injured.
Mamata Banerjee Holds Protest March Against CAA-NRC in WB's North 24 Parganas
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a protest march against CAA and NRC, in Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas on Thursday, 9 January, reports news agency ANI.
Delhi Court Directs Treatment for Jailed Bhim Army Chief at AIIMS
A Delhi Court directed Tihar jail authorities on Thursday to arrange for the medical treatment of Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
The court expressed displeasure at the jail authorities for not ensuring that Azad recieved special medical treatment despite knowing about his ailment. The court said that Tihar doctors embarked on a quest to give him "ordinary medicines".
An application submitted to the court on Wednesday claims Azad is suffering from polucythemia, a disorder of blood thickness. The Bhim Army Chief was arrested on 21 December in connection with violence during anti CAA protests in old Delhi's Daryaganj area.
NCM to Hold Seminars to Dispel 'Misunderstanding, Fear' Among Muslims on CAA
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) will organise seminars in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country to address the "misunderstanding and fear" of the Muslim community over the Citizenship Amendment Act, the panel's chief said on Thursday, reports PTI.
NCM chief Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said the seminars will be held in six cities of Uttar Pradesh from Friday. It will also be held in West Bengal and the cities of Hyderabad and Mangaluru.
Mainly intellectuals, imams, and prominent people from the Muslim society will participate in the seminars and there will be a dialogue on CAA with everyone, he said.
Centre's Policies 'Dictatorial': Sharad Pawar on CAA, JNU Violence
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday accused the Centre of giving a jolt to the country's unity with the Citizenship Amendment Act, and called for answering the government's "dictatorial" policies with Mahatma Gandhi's way of non-violence, reports PTI.
Pawar made the remarks as he flagged off the 'Gandhi Shanti Yatra' -- undertaken by former Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha against the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens and violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) -- from the Gateway of India here.
He said the recent violence at JNU has hurt sentiments of the students' community.
The Maratha strongman termed all Indian citizens as "representatives of independent India and shareholders of the country", and claimed the government has left people disappointed with its move like the CAA.
All 15 Accused in Daryaganj Violence Case Get Bail
A Delhi court Thursday granted bail to 15 people arrested for allegedly perpetrating violence during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest in the Daryaganj last month, reports PTI.
Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau granted the relief to the 15 protesters who were arrested after violence broke out in Daryaganj on 20 December during a demonstration against the recent changes in the citizenship law.
The demonstration turned violent when a group of protesters resorted to stone-pelting after the police tried to evict them from the area.
The Judge remarked that India is a peaceful country and everyone has the right to peaceful protest.
Anti CAA Protesters Detained at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai
People protesting against CAA and NRC at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai were detained by the police on Thursday, 9 January. A cop claimed that the protesters were being detained since they didn’t have permission.
Students of Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) were reportedly among the detained.
Lawyers Form Human Chain in Front of Karnataka High Court
A group of lawyers on Thursday, 9 January, formed a human chain in front of Karnataka High Court in protest against CAA-NRC. This is the first such protest in the city’s administrative area.
Gujarat's BJP Govt to Bring Pro-CAA Resolution in Assembly
The BJP government in Gujarat will bring a resolution in the assembly during its day-long session on Friday, 9 January, welcoming and supporting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, whose passage in Parliament last month triggered widespread protests across the country, reports PTI.
The special house session has been convened to approve a constitutional amendment bill recently passed by Parliament to give a 10-year extension to reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
The government-sponsored resolution on CAA, which is to be discussed for about 120 minutes before passing it, congratulates Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their bold and historic decision in bringing the legislation and securing its passage in Parliament.
5 Held for Involvement in Violence During Anti-CAA Protest in Delhi's Nand Nagari
Five men have been arrested for their alleged involvement in violence in Nand Nagari area of Delhi during protests against amended Citizenship Act last month, police said on Thursday, reports PTI.
The accused have been identified as Aashqin (38), Sharukh Kureshi (22), Mohammad Tarik (34) -- all residents of Sundar Nagari -- Aasif Khan (32), from Bulandsahar and Sharukh (23) from Ghaziabad, they said.
"The accused were identified through videos which went viral. The all five were arrested from Sundar Nagari on Wednesday," a senior police officer said.
100 Retired Civil Servants Write Against Citizenship Law
A group of around 100 retired civil servants released an open letter on Thursday, 9 January, asking people to insist that the government withdraw recent amendments to the Citizenship Act and scrap the plan to build an all-India National Register of Citizens.
Delhi HC Dismisses Plea Seeking Direction to Remove Barricades in Shaheen Bagh
The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking directions for removal of demonstrators protesting the CAA at Shaheen Bagh here in order to clear road blockages that are causing traffic congestions at the DND route.
The application, in the form of a handwritten letter, was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar which declined to give any relief.
The letter, written by Tushar Sehdev and Raman Kalra, said the route from Delhi to UP, Delhi to Uttarakhand, Delhi to Noida hospitals, Ashram and Badarpur is unavailable due to this protest as the roads around Shaheen Bagh are blocked and vehicles are being diverted to the DND flyway.
Lakhs of people are suffering because of the road closure and it is also an issue for people facing emergencies, the letter said.
Local Differences, State Rivalries Shouldn't Come in Way of Defending Democracy: Yechury
“Local differences and rivalries at the state level should not come in the way of defending democracy,” said CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury while taking a dig at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for boycotting an Opposition meeting on the CAA, reports PTI.
Banerjee, while speaking in the state Assembly on Thursday, said she will not attend the meeting convened by Congress President Sonia Gandhi here on 13 January. Her decision was in protest against the violence allegedly carried out by the Congress and Left in the state during the nationwide trade union strike on 8 January.
SC Issues Notice on Govt's Plea for Transferring Petitions Challenging CAA
Supreme Court issues notice on government’s plea seeking to transfer various petitions challenging CAA, pending before several High Courts to SC. Court said it will hear all petitions related to CAA, along with Centre’s transfer petition, on 22 January.
Urge Govt to Utilise CRPF Personnel to Protect Universities, Students: MK Stalin
DMK President MK Stalin took to Twitter on Friday to demand protection for students protesting against CAA.
Protest Against CAA, NRC Underway at Jama Masjid
A protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens is underway at Jama Masjid.
Seemapuri Violence Accused Granted Bail
A Delhi court grants bail to all the accused in Seemapuri violence case.
Central Government Notifies Citizenship Amendment Act
Citizenship Amendment Act notified – the Act comes into force on 10 January 2020.
Main Culprits in Mangaluru Violence are Police Commissioner, Officers: Former CM
Former Karnataka Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, on Friday 10 January said that the main culprit in the violence that erupted in Mangalore on 19 December, amid Anti-CAA protests is the Mangaluru City Commissioner and 2-3 police officers. He demanded the state government to constitute a House Committee, in order to bring facts before people.
“I also demand this govt to immediately remove those officers from that place, suspend them. Then a proper inquiry can be done into that issue,” Kumaraswamy said.
Mysuru Student Booked for Holding "Free Kashmir" Placard Granted Interim Bail
A Mysuru judge has granted interim bail to a young woman, an alumna of Mysuru University who was seen holding a ‘Free Kashmir’ placard during an anti-CAA gathering in the university campus on January 8, The News Minute reported.
Nandini B had approached the Second Additional District and Sessions Court and the bail was granted after furnishing a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh.
Citizenship on Religious Basis 'Antithetical' to Constitution: Owaisi
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has claimed that citizenship granted on “religious basis” was “antithetical” to the Constitution, which was enough reason to oppose the controversial CAA.
He was responding to comments of Home Minister Amit Shah that opposition was spreading falsehood on the legislation and that the Act was meant to give citizenship and not take it away.
Owaisi also said if a law provides citizenship to six groups but “excludes one” then it is only meant to deny citizenship.
CAA is Discriminatory and Divisive Law: Sonia Gandhi
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday termed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act a "discriminatory and divisive" law whose "sinister" purpose was to divide people on religious lines, and asserted that the NPR in form and content was "disguised NRC".
Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi , she said thousands of young men and women, especially students have realized the "grave harm" that implementation of the new Citizenship law will cause.
They have taken to the streets braving the cold as well as police brutalities, Gandhi said.
"We demand that a comprehensive high-powered commission be constituted to enquire into the incidents connected with the anti-CAA protests and give justice to the affected persons," she said.
Mamata joins TMC dharna against CAA-NRC after meeting PM Modi
Minutes after holding a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday attended a sit-in demonstration organised by Trinamool Congress students' wing against the CAA and NRC.
Country in Turmoil: Sunil Gavaskar Speaks Out on Anti-CAA Protests
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday, 11 January, urged students across the country to ‘head back to their classrooms’, stating that their primary duty is to be in classrooms and study, while expressing that the turmoil in the country shall subside and the country would come out in a greater shape.
Gavaskar’s remarks were directed at students participating in protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act.
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Delhi BJP Takes out March in Support of CAA
The Delhi unit of the BJP on Sunday took out a march in Lutyens' Delhi in support of the amended Citizenship Act, reports PTI.
Carrying cut-outs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, party volunteers participated in the march from Delhi BJP's office on Pandit Pant Marg to Central Park in Connaught Place. They were led by New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi.
Opposition Meet on Monday on Citizenship Law, NRC Amid Protests: Reports
Opposition parties are set to meet on Monday afternoon to discuss the current political situation in the backdrop of the student protests and the contentious citizenship law and the citizenship list NRC, reported NDTV, quoting sources.
The meeting, expected to signal opposition unity, however, will not be attended by Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, sources told the channel.
'CAA Has Been Passed by Parliament, WB Has to Implement It': Minority Affairs Minister
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, talking to the media, said,“CAA has been passed by the Parliament and so it will be implemented in the whole country.”
“West Bengal is part of India and therefore it also has to implement it. CM Mamata Banerjee should read history and the constitution,” he added.
Bhim Army Members Protest Azad's Arrest at Jantar Mantar
Bhim Army members and students affiliated to various organisations are protesting Chandrashekhar Azad’s arrest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Prashant Kishor Thanks Congress for Stand Against CAA, NRC
Janata Dal United (JDU) Vice-President Prashant Kishor on Sunday thanked the Congress for their "formal and unequivocal rejection" of the legislation.
Tharoor Speech Disrupted at Jamia
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday faced protests and disruption while speaking at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi for an earlier tweet where he said "Our fight against Hindutva extremism should give no comfort to Islamist extremism either."
Speaking to The Quint, some of the protesters also said that they were manhandled by "Congress goons".
AMU VC Seeks Security for Himself, Family
AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor has sought from the state authorities extra security for himself and his family before the university reopens on 13 January, citing threats from "lumpen elements and outsiders", varsity sources said on Sunday.
The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was closed early for winter vacations from 16 December, a day after students clashed with police during a protest against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on campus.
Shashi Tharoor Joins Protest at Shaheen Bagh
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor joins protest against CAA and NRC at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi.
Justice Chelameshwar, Sharmila Tagore, Others Release Joint Statement on Constitution
Justice Chelameswar, Sharmila Tagore, TM Krishna, Lt. Gen HS Panag, SY Quraishi and Sukhdeo Thorat have released a joint statement titled - “70 Years of Indian Contitution - A Defining Moment”
CAA Ploy to Divert People's Attention From Economic Slowdown: Sinha
Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha on Sunday said enactment of the "unconstitutional and unnecessary" new citizenship Act was a ploy by the Centre to "divert attention" of people from its "failure" to prevent the economic slowdown.
Addressing a gathering during the course of his "Gandhi Shanti Yatra", the former BJP leader quoted former chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian saying that India was facing a "great slowdown with its economy headed for intensive care unit (ICU)".
Five Men Briefly Detained for Raising Anti-NRC Slogans at Pragati Maidan
Five men associated with a theatre group were detained for allegedly creating a ruckus at Pragati Maidan by raising anti-NRC slogans on Sunday, police said.
Those detained were shouting slogans against the National Register of Citizens near Hall No. 11-12 around 4 pm and the public there opposed it.
The five men were taken to Tilak Marg police station and released at 6.20 pm, a police officer said.
Huge Crowd Joins Shaheen Bagh Protest With Candles, Tricolour
Huge number of people, carrying national flag and candles, marched to the site of protests against CAA and NRC at Shaheen Bagh on Sunday.
Police Break Protests at Hyderabad's Tolichowki Flyover
A flash protest against the CAA and NRC gained massive traction overnight in Hyderabad as hundreds of people gathered under the Tolichowki flyover in the city on Sunday night, leading to the police forcefully breaking the gathering in the wee hours.
While the protesters were peaceful and held up Indian flags and raised slogans against CAA and NRC, the city police was alerted soon and reached the spot before midnight. The protest, which was started by women, soon saw many others join in, as a crowd was mobilised via social media and WhatsApp.
BSP, AAP, TMC to Skip Opposition Meet on CAA, NRC
The BSP, AAP and TMC declared that they will skip the Opposition meet on CAA and NRC. While BSP chief Mayawati cited the Congress ‘breaking’ the party in Rajasthan, AAP said they will not attend in view of the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi.
2 Arrested for Hurling Stones at Pro-CAA Rally in Jharkhand
Two persons were arrested for allegedly hurling stones at a pro-CAA rally organised by the BJP in Jharkhand’s Giridih, police said on Monday, 13 January, according to PTI.
Stones were hurled at the rally brought out by BJP workers from six assembly constituencies of the district, at Padam Chowk in Giridih town on Sunday, prompting police to lob teargas shells to control the situation, officials said.
"Two persons were arrested on Sunday night after they were identified from a video footage in which they were seen hurling stones at the rally," Giridih Nagar police station in-charge Adikant Mahato said.
TMC Students' Wing Continues Anti-CAA Demonstration in Kolkata
The Trinamool Congress students' wing is continuing to protest the Citizenship Amendment Act at a sit-in demonstration on Rani Rashmoni Avenue in the heart of Kolkata on Monday, 13 January, PTI reported.
The demonstration entered the fourth day on Monday.
TMC Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, visited the sit-in venue on Saturday and is likely to pay another visit on Monday afternoon.
'PM Modi Should Hold Televised Q&A Session on CAA With Critics': Chidambaram
Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not talking to his critics, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday urged him to select five critics and have a televised question and answer session on CAA, so that people can reach their own conclusions on the amended citizenship law.
"PM says that CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) is meant to give citizenship, not take it away. Many of us believe that CAA (in conjunction with NPR or NRC) will declare many persons as 'non-citizens' and take away citizenship," the former home minister said.
The prime minister is not talking to his critics and they do not have an opportunity to talk to him, Chidambaram said in a series of tweets.
BJP Kerala Unit Secretary Attacked Inside Mosque
BJP Kerala State Secretary AK Nazir was allegedly attacked inside a mosque at Nedungandam in Idukki district on Sunday, shortly after he participated in a programme on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), police said, according to PTI.
While the BJP alleged activists of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the pro-CPI(M) Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) were behind the attack, police have maintained that since the incident took place inside a mosque, it was not clear who had attacked Nazir.
"While performing namaz, Nazir was beaten up from behind using a chair and was also kicked," a BJP press release said.
Nationwide NRC Needless: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar
Speaking in the state assembly on Monday, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said that nationwide NRC is needless and has no justification.
Jamia Students Gherao VC’s Office, Demand Registration of FIR Against Delhi Police
Jamia Millia Islamia students gheraoed Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar's office on Monday, 13 January, demanding registration of an FIR against Delhi Police in connection with last month's violence on the campus.
The students barged into the office premises after breaking the lock on the main gate and raised slogans against the VC.
Among other demands, they also urged the university to reschedule examinations and ensure security of students.
Opposition Leaders Meet to Discuss Strategy on Anti-CAA Protests
The Congress-led opposition meeting to discuss the current political situation in the country, underway at Parliament Annexe.
Daryaganj Violence: Bhim Army Chief Moves Delhi Court, Seeks Bail
Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad on Monday, 13 January, moved the Delhi court, seeking bail in a case related to anti-CAA protests at Daryaganj in New Delhi, PTI reported.
The plea will be heard on Tuesday, 14 January.
'Process of Filing an FIR Against Delhi Police to Begin From 14 Jan': Jamia VC
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar tried to pacify the students who gheraoed the office and demanded the registration of an FIR against the Delhi police in connection with last month's violence on the campus.
Akhtar said the Delhi Police entered the campus without permission and the process of filing an FIR against Delhi Police will begin from 14 January, according to ANI.
The vice chancellor said she has raised the matter with the government and has also sought legal course in the matter.
Home Secy Meets Delhi Police Commissioner to Discuss Law and Order in Delhi
Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla is meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, to discuss law and order situation in Delhi, news agency ANI reported.
No Anti-CAA Protests in Kashmir Shows Approval: BJP Leader
A senior BJP leader on Monday said the fact that there were no anti-CAA protests in Kashmir shows that the people here approved of the Centre's policies.
"There were no protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Kashmir which is an approval of the people in the Valley for the policies of the central government," former minister Sunil Sharma, who is BJP incharge for Kashmir, told reporters.
94 People Arrested in NCR in Past Month
Ninety-four people have been arrested in various parts of the national capital for indulging in violence during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the last one month, officials said on Monday, 13 January.
Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik also met Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and is believed to have briefed him about the prevailing situation in the city, which continues to witness protests against the contentious legislation.
BJP Has Made Important Documents Invalid, TMC First to Oppose CAA: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Monday 13 January, said that TMC was the first party to voice its opinion against the Citizenship Amendment Act, citing the Standing Committee records.
The West Bengal CM said that the BJP, with its new laws has made PAN, Aadhaar, Ration cards, all these documents invalid.
Women Start Dharna Against CAA/NRC/NPR at Khureji
Around 30-40 women, inspired by the Shaheen Bagh protests, gathered at Khureji today afternoon and started a sit in to express their opposition to the discriminatory and unconstitutional CAA. The sit-in caught attention of the local people and more than 500 women gathered soon and started shouting slogans against CAA/NRC/NPR. More than 1000 local people also joined the protest gradually.
Police tried to intimidate and to disperse the protesting women but the women stood firm and did not leave the ground.
Maharashtra Schools Asked Not to Use Premises for Political Purposes
The Maharashtra government's school education department on Monday, 13 January, issued a notice to all schools in the state asking them not to use their premises for hosting any political event, a move which has invited criticism from the BJP, PTI reported.
Sources in the department said the notice has been issued to the management of schools to ensure students are kept away from any political event.
The move comes after it was reported that the BJP had organised a talk on contentious CAA at a school in the Matunga area last week.
CPI: Permission Denied for Anti-CAA Meeting to Be Addressed by Kanhaiya Kumar
The CPI on Monday, 13 January, claimed that permission has been denied to the party's proposed public meeting in Hyderabad on CAA to be addressed by former JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar and others.
CPI leader ET Narasimha, in a party release, said they sought permission for the meeting at either of two places, but it was not given.
Former CPI MP Azeez Pasha claimed there was no rule of law in the state as permission was given for AIMIM to organise meetings but not for meeting proposed to be addressed by Kumar, former president of JNUSU.
Opposition Unity Important for Protests: Amartya Sen
Days after demanding that the amended citizenship act be scrapped, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Monday, 13 January, stressed the importance of opposition unity to carry out any protest for a cause.
However, he said even in the absence of opposition unity, protests can continue.
"For any kind of protest, opposition unity is important. Then protests become easier. Unity is important if the protest is for a proper cause," Sen told journalists in Kolkata on Monday night, PTI reported.
"But even if unity is not there, then that doesn't mean we will stop protesting. As I said, unity makes protest easier but if unity is not there still we have to move on and do whatever is necessary," Sen said.
If Assam Govt Was Given Full Responsibility, It Would've Been Error-Free: Sonowal on NRC Updation
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Supreme Court-monitored National Register of Citizens in Assam would have been a "correct NRC" had the full responsibility of its updation been given to the state government, PTI reported
Replying to the debate on Governor's Speech during the one-day special session of the Assam Assembly on Monday, 13 January, Sonowal also said people need not fear CAA as the government will not do anything against their interests.
"The BJP wants a correct NRC. If the Assam government had got full responsibility of the NRC upgrade work, then I can tell it with confidence that it would have been a correct NRC," he told the House.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Voices Concern Over CAA
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Monday, 13 January, voiced concern over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying what is happening is "sad" and he would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant create the next unicorn in India.
His comments came while speaking to editors at a Microsoft event in Manhattan where he was asked about the contentious issue of CAA.
In a statement issued by Microsoft India, Nadella said, “Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds.”
'The Sliding Economy Is an Even Greater Threat to the Country': Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday, 14 January, attacked the Modi government over the state of the economy, saying if unemployment rises and incomes decline, there is a danger of youth and students "exploding in anger.”
"The nation is engrossed with the anti-CAA, anti-NPR protests. Both present a clear and present danger," Chidambaram said.
The sliding economy is an even greater threat to the country, the former finance minister said in a series of tweets.
Internet Services Suspended in Telangana After Communal Clash
Internet services were suspended in Nirmal, Adilabad, Mancherial, Asifabad and other adjoining areas of Telangana by the Department of Telecommunications on Monday, 13 January, following the communal clashes on Sunday evening in Bhainsa, Nirmal district, according to The News Minute.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reportedly sent an SOS message to telecom service providers, Airtel, Idea, Vodafone and BSNL on Sunday to shut down the internet in the region with immediate effect, after the clashes.
Kerala Government Moves Supreme Court Against CAA
Kerala government on Tuesday, 14 January, challenged the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the apex court, becoming the first state to challenge the law.
The Kerala government said the Act is violative of Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India as well as against the basic principle of secularism, according to ANI.
'Opposition Unity Important for Protests': Amartya Sen
Days after demanding that the amended Citizenship Act be scrapped, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has stressed the importance of opposition unity to carry out any protest for a cause, according to PTI.
However, he said even in the absence of opposition unity, protests can continue.
"For any kind of protest, opposition unity is important. Then protests become easier. Unity is important if the protest is for a proper cause," Sen said.
Delhi HC Directs Police to Look Into Road Restrictions on Shaheen Bagh Stretch
Amid the anti-CAA protests, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday, 14 January, directed the police to take a call on the re-opening of Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch.
The Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh road stretch has been closed since 15 December 2019.
Daryaganj Violence: Court Slams Delhi Police Over Azad’s Arrest, Verdict on 15 Jan
Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Tuesday, 14 January, adjourned the hearing in Bhim Army Chief Chandrasekhar's bail plea in the Daryaganj violence case till Wednesday, so that the state can produce all FIRs registered against him in Saharanpur.
NHRC Delegation Interacts With Students at Jamia
A four-member delegation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by a DSP level officer, has arrived at Jamia Millia Islamia, to interact with students, ANI reported.