Anti-CAA Protests ‘Mostly Political’, Some People Misguided: Shah
Catch all the live updates on the protests against the amended Citizenship Act here.
Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, 2 January, described the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as "mostly political" and asserted that no Indian will lose his or her nationality due to the newly enacted legislation.
Shah also challenged Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to show one clause in the CAA under which anyone is going to lose Indian citizenship.
"I agree that these are mostly political protests. Some people are also misguided but we are trying to convince them," he told ABP News, according to PTI.
- A few organisers have withdrawn from the Shaheen Bagh protest, in an attempt to “avoid politicisation of the stage by parties”, according to a message being forwarded
- Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal was shown black flags by agitators protesting against the contentious law on Wednesday
- Kerala’s legislators passed a resolution against the CAA in the state Assembly on Tuesday, demanding its withdrawal
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NHRC Issues Notice to UP DGP Over Police Action During Anti-CAA Protests in State
The NHRC has issued a notice to the police chief of Uttar Pradesh after receiving various complaints that allege "violation of human rights" in police action undertaken during the ongoing anti-CAA protests in the state, officials told PTI on Wednesday, 25 December.
A complaint was received by the National Human Rights Commission recently, seeking its intervention in the alleged incidents of violation of human rights by the state police.
"Other complaints were also received in connection with the matter, which have been taken on record. The complaint was registered on December 23 and subsequently a notice was issued by the NHRC to the director general of police of Uttar Pradesh, seeking a report in four weeks," a senior official of the rights panel said.
The complainant has alleged that subsequent to the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), "there have been many incidents of human rights violations by the state authorities in Uttar Pradesh".
"Youth have been killed, Internet has been suspended, and the police themselves are destroying public property. The right to peaceful assembly has also been violated," according to the complaint submitted to the NHRC.
Internet Services Restored in Lucknow: DM
Internet services, which had been suspended here last week amid widespread violent protest against the changes in citizenship law and the proposed creation of a National Register of Citizens, were restored on Wednesday, 25 December, an official told PTI.
"Internet services have resumed in Lucknow," District Magistrate Abhishek Prakash told PTI on Wednesday.
An Elected Govt Should Never be So Cruel: Siddaramaiah on BSY Putting on Hold Compensation for Mangaluru Victims
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, 25 December, slammed Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa for putting on hold compensation to the next of kin of two people killed in police firing at Mangaluru in the anti-CAA protest and described it as 'cruel' and 'inhuman.'
He was reacting to Yediyurappa's statement in Mangaluru on Wednesday that the compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the two persons killed on 19 December in police firing has been kept on hold till the inquiry is over.
"An elected government should never be so cruel and inhuman. As expected, the Chief Minister pronounced his verdict even before the inquiry," Siddaramaiah tweeted.
UP Death Toll Rises as Firozabad Man Shot During CAA Protests Dies
Mohammad Haroon, a resident of UP's Firozabad, who was shot during an anti-CAA protest died in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital in the early hours of Thursday, 26 December.
NIA Raids Arrested Activist Akhil Gogoi’s House
NIA raids arrested RTI activist and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi's house in Guwahati on Thursday, 26 December, officials told PTI.
BJP Govt Has Sinister Agenda, NPR Dangerous: Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday, 26 December, alleged that the National Population Register (NPR) approved by the BJP government was different and dangerous in terms of the "text and context" of the data collection done in 2010.
Charging that the BJP government has a "sinister agenda", he said if the BJP's motives are bonafide, the Government should unconditionally state that they support the NPR form and design of 2010 and do not intend to link it to the controversial NRC.
"The BJP-led government has a larger and more sinister agenda and that is why the NPR approved by them yesterday is very dangerous and different in terms of the TEXT as well as the CONTEXT of NPR 2010. If the BJP's motives are bonafide, let the Government unconditionally state that they support the NPR form and design of 2010 and have no intention of linking it to the controversial NRC," he said on Twitter.
Inappropriate Direction: Army Chief Condemns Student Protests Against CAA
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat condemned the student protests against the newly passed Citizenship law, saying that leaders are not those who lead people in “inappropriate direction.”
Women Gather in Large Numbers to Protest Against CAA in Bengaluru
'Don't Play With Fire,' Mamata Warns BJP in Anti-CAA Rally
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday warned the BJP of not to "play with fire" and threatened the saffron party of continuous movement till the new citizenship law is revoked.
Speaking at a protest rally in the city, the Trinamool Congress supremo said the BJP paints other parties in black and takes pride to portray itself in white.
Lashing out at the BJP, the chief minister said that the party does not keep its promises, while referring to Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's remark about putting on hold compensation to families of police firing victims in the state.
The government would not give a single rupee to their families if the investigation proved the involvement of two persons in the violence during the December 19 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Karnataka CM had told reporters on Wednesday.
Referring to the students, the WB chief minister asked them to carry on with their protests. She also told them that she will always be by their side.
"Do not fear anbody," Banerjee told the students.
Delhi's Tukde-Tukde Gang Must Be Taught a Lesson: Amit Shah on CAA Protests
Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Opposition has spoiled the “peaceful atmosphere” of Delhi and the tukde-tukde gang, led by Congress must be taught a lesson.
RLD Leader Jayant Chaudhary Meets Family of Victim Killed in Anti-CAA Stir
Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhary on Thursday visited the family of Noor Muhammad who was allegedly killed during protests against the amended Citizenship Act in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, PTI reported.
Chaudhary met the family of Noor Muhammad who was killed last Friday when Muzaffarnagar witnessed violence during protests against the CAA and the proposed countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Rahul Gandhi to Address Rally in Guwahati on 28 Dec Against CAA, NRC
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address a rally in Assam's Guwahati on 28 December, against the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens, according to ANI.
Daryaganj Violence Case: Verdict on Bail Plea of 15 Accused on 28 Dec
A Delhi Court will pronounce judgment on bail plea of all 15 accused in the Daryaganj violence case on 28 December, ANI reported.
Over 200 Detained During Protest Outside UP Bhawan in Delhi
At least 200 people were detained on Thursday, 26 December, after they staged a demonstration outside Uttar Pradesh Bhawan in Delhi against the alleged police atrocities in the state during protests against the amended Citizenship Act, officials said, ANI reported.
Those detained were taken to the Mandir Marg police station.
The protesters also demanded release of Bhim Army Chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad who was arrested in connection with the violence in Old Delhi's Daryaganj recently.
Anti-CAA Protests: 1,113 Arrests, 5,558 Preventive Detentions, 19 Dead in UP
More than 1,100 people are under arrest and 5,558 kept in preventive detention following violence related to the anti-citizenship amendment act protests, officials said on Thursday, putting the death toll in police clashes across Uttar Pradesh at 19, PTI reported.
Police officials said five people were killed in Firozabad, four in Meerut, three in Kanpur, two each in Sambhal and Bijnor and one each in Muzaffarnagar, Rampur and Lucknow.
This tally does not take into account the eight-year-old killed in Varanasi on 20 December.
"The eight-year-old was not killed in police action but in a stampede when protesters were retreating," a senior police official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
'BJP Govt Afraid of Hindu-Muslim Unity': Akhilesh Yadav
Alleging that the BJP government was afraid of Hindu-Muslim unity, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday sought to know when a probe into "police brutality" during widespread protest in the state against Citizenship Amendment Act will be ordered.
"The government is afraid of Hindu-Muslim unity. It is making allegations that people are criminals. It wants to confiscate property of the poor. It is commenting on people's dress... Threatening to take revenge from citizens. But, the government should tell (people) when it will initiate probe into police brutality," Akhilesh said in a tweet in Hindi.
'Neither CAA, Nor NPR Linked to NRC': Ram Madhav
BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav on Thursday said neither the CAA nor the NPR has any link with the NRC and alleged that the Opposition is carrying out a false propaganda to malign the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, according to PTI.
Seeking to dispel fears that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is against Muslims, he said in the past too India has granted citizenship to those fleeing persecution in their native countries.
'Peaceful Protests to Continue Till CAA Is Revoked': Mamata Banerjee
Asserting that peaceful protests will continue as long as the new citizenship law is not withdrawn, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday warned the BJP against “playing with fire,” PTI reported.
Speaking at a protest rally in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress supremo accused the BJP of not keeping its promises and referred to Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's remark about putting on hold compensation to families of two people killed in police firing on anti-CAA protesters in Mangaluru.
The West Bengal chief minister asked students to carry on with their protests. She also told them that she will always be by their side. “Do not fear anybody. I warn the BJP not to play with fire,” Banerjee said.
UP Minister Refuses to Meet Kin of 2 Muslim Men Killed in Violence
Uttar Pradesh Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal, who was visiting Bijnor on Thursday, 26 December, refused to meet the families of the two Muslim men who died in the recent protests against the new citizenship law, terming them "upadravi" (vandals), according to PTI.
“Why should I go to vandals' place? How can those who are involved in vandalism and who put the entire country and state in arson be social?," Agarwal posed, defending his decision to not visit the homes of the two Muslim families.
"Why should I visit those who want to put Nahtaur/Bijnor in flames?" the minister in-charge of the district shot back when asked by reporters to justify his decision.
124 Arrested for Posting Inciting Content on Social Media: UP Police
124 people were arrested for posting inciting content on social media, Uttar Pradesh police said on Thursday, 26 December.
“93 FIRs registered. Action taken on 19409 social media posts – 9372 Twitter, 9856 Facebook, and 181 YouTube profiles blocked,” the police added.
RTI Activist Akhil Gogoi Remanded to Judicial Custody for 14 Days
RTI activist and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi who was arrested by the NIA officials earlier on Thursday, has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, PTI reported.
A special court turned down NIA's plea for further 10 days' custody.
Probe Into Anti-CAA Violence Suggests Involvement of Outsiders: UP Police
Preliminary investigation into the anti-CAA violence has suggested the role of outsiders, including those from Bangladesh and Kashmir, the Uttar Pradesh police said on Thursday.
"The police investigation has revealed that the violence during protests against the CAA on Friday and Saturday in Kanpur took place in an organised manner," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anand Deo Tiwari said.
The SSP said there was "ample evidence" to indicate the involvement of outsiders.
The level of their involvement was still a matter of investigation, the SSP said.
Left Parties Announce 7-Day Nationwide Protests From 1 Jan
The Left parties on Thursday announced a seven-day nationwide protest from 1 January to 7 January and a general strike on 8 January against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Population Register and the National Register of Citizens, PTI reported.
In a joint statement, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist)-Liberation, the All India Forward Bloc and the Revolutionary Socialist Party said the protest programme was announced.
51 BHU Faculty Members Sign Statement Condemning CAA, NRC
Over 50 faculty members of Banaras Hindu University and affiliated colleges have issued a statement condemning the controversial amendments to the citizenship law and proposed implementation of NRC, PTI reported.
"This is completely against the spirit of freedom struggle and the idea of a pluralist democracy. This is not acceptable in the land of Gandhi and Tagore. This is clearly an attempt to divide society on communal lines, so that real issues of day to day living of common man are relegated to the back ground," the statement said.
Anti-CAA Protests Refuse to Die Down in Karnataka
Anti-CAA protests refused to die down in Karnataka with hundreds of Muslim women taking the centre-stage on Thursday, holding protests in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Kalaburagi.
The women staged a protest at Eidgah Grounds in Shivamogga, holding the national flag, banners and placards declaring their opposition to CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and NRC (National Register of Citizens).
A similar protest was held in front of the Bengaluru's town hall that was attended by large number of Muslim women.
In Kalaburagi, protesters, mostly women, staged a demonstration from Jagat Circle to Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office shouting slogans against the CAA.
UP DGP Orders SIT Inquiry Into Violence During Anti-CAA Protests
Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh has ordered a SIT inquiry into violence which broke out during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the state, ANI reported.
Seelampur Violence: FIR Against Ex-Cong MLA Mateen Ahmed For Instigating Crowd
Former Congress MLA Mateen Ahmed has been named in an FIR for instigating crowd, leading to clashes between Delhi Police personnel and protesters in Delhi’s Seelampur on 17 December, ANI reported.
K'taka Min Warns of Confiscation of Properties of Those Damaging Public Assets
Karnataka Revenue Minister R Ashoka on Thursday, 26 December, warned of confiscation of properties of those damaging public assets during anti-CAA protests like in Uttar Pradesh, PTI reported.
Anti-CAA Protests: Internet Services to be Suspended in Several Parts of UP
Mobile internet services to remain suspended across eight districts in Uttar Pradesh for a day, in view of anti-CAA protests and Friday prayers, officials said on Thursday.
“We've deployed security personnel in different districts of state and held talks with people. Internet Services have been suspended in eight districts for a day. We're also monitoring content on social media,” ADG (Law and Order) PV Ramasastry said.
Govt School Teacher Suspended for Taking Part in Anti-CAA Protests in Assam
A woman teacher of a government school in Assam's Jorhat district has been suspended for allegedly taking part in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, officials said on Thursday.
Bondita Bora, a teacher in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Titabar, was suspended on Tuesday for "unauthorised participation" in anti-CAA protests between 10 and 16 December, the officials said.
"She is also accused of instigating students to take part in the protests," the officials added.
Norwegian Tourist Questioned by Kochi Foreign Office Over Participation in Anti-CAA Protest
A Norwegian tourist in Kerala's Kochi on Thursday, 26 December, was summoned to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and questioned for attending an anti-citizenship protest march in the city on Monday, The Indian Express reported.
This comes days after a German student was forced to leave India after participating in an anti-CAA protest in Chennai.
Mangaluru Anti-CAA Protests: TMC Announces Rs 5 L Each to Victims' Kin
The Trinamool Congress on Thursday, 26 December, announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to families of the two persons killed in Karnataka's Mangaluru during protests against the amended Citizenship Act, PTI reported.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a rally on Thursday, said the TMC delegation would soon visit Karnataka to meet the families of those killed in alleged police firing and hand over the ex-gratia amount.
Paramilitary Forces, Drones to Be Deployed to Beef up Security in UP Today
Security was beefed up and patrolling intensified in Uttar Pradesh to ensure peace ahead of the Friday prayers, keeping in mind the widespread violence that hit the state last week during protests against the CAA.
As a precautionary measure, internet services, that were resumed after nearly a week, were suspended again in Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli.
In Agra also, the services will remain suspended from 8 am till 6 pm on Friday, a senior police official said, according to PTI.
Paramilitary force personnel and state police force will be deployed and drone cameras will be used to ensure security on Friday, DM Vijyendra Pandiyan said.
498 People Identified in Connection With Damage to Public Property
According to the Information & Communication Department of UP, 498 people have been identified in connection with the damage caused to public property during recent protests in Lucknow, Meerut, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Ferozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mau and Bulandshahar.
They Want to Somehow Implement 'Hindu Rashtra': Chidambaram Attacks BJP
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram slammed the BJP on Thursday, saying that after the BJP came back to power with a bigger mandate, it was focusing on subjects like the National Population Register, the CAA and the NRC.
"What they want is to somehow implement the Hindu Rashtra. If Hindu Rashtra gets implemented, it will not only harm Muslims, but also other sections of society like the Dalits," he said.
Speaking at a programme, he also criticised the IIT Madras director over a German student, Jacob Lindenthal, being asked to leave the country allegedly because he had taken part in a protest against the CAA.
"By taking part in the protests, he (the student) has actually reminded us that the IIT Madras was set up with the support of the German government. We should thank him for that. But he was asked to leave the country. Where did the IIT director go? Is he retired? or has he gone on a leave? Or is he dead?" the former Union home minister asked.
In Tandem With NRC, CAA May Affect Status of India's Muslim Minority: Congressional Research Service
The amended Citizenship law along with a NRC being planned by the Modi government "may affect the status" of Muslim minority in India, a report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has said.
The 18 December report also said that for the first time in independent India's history, a religious criterion has been added to the country's naturalisation process.
The CRS is an independent research wing of the US Congress which prepares reports periodically on issues of domestic and global importance for the lawmakers to take informed decision. These are not considered as official reports of the US Congress.
"In tandem with a National Register of Citizens (NRC) planned by the federal government, the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) may affect the status of India's large Muslim minority of roughly 200 million," said the CRS in its first ever report on the amended Citizenship law.
Mobile Internet Services, SMS Messages of All Service Providers Except BSNL Suspended Today in Lucknow
Mobile internet services and SMS services for all telecom companies except BSNL will remain suspended in Lucknow on 27 December, reports ANI quoting the UP government.
CAA Is a Humanitarian Act: Expat Bangladesh Minorities
Describing the amended Citizenship Act as humanitarian, a group of individuals and organizations, representing religious and ethnic minorities of Bangladesh, have said that through the law, India has partially fulfilled its duty towards millions of non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who had to flee to the country in recent years but could not claim their rights.
According to the Citizenship Amendment Act, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 following religious persecution there will get Indian citizenship.
“Through this Act, India has partially fulfilled its duty to the millions of non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who had to flee to India in recent years, but could not claim their rights in India. CAA has given them the right,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.
Section 144 Imposed in Parts of Delhi
Section 144 has been imposed in Seelampur, UP Bhawan, Jamia, Jaffrabad and Daryaganj parts of Delhi, News18 reported.
Hyd Police Denies Permission to BJP MLA to Hold Public Meeting in Support of NRC, CAA
Hyderabad police has denied permission to BJP MLA from Goshamahal Assembly Constituency, Raja Singh to hold a public meeting in support of National Register of Citizens and Citizenship Amendment Act.
Delhi Police Ready to Deal With Any Situation: Delhi PRO
MS Randhawa, PRO, Delhi Police on Friday said that the police is ready to deal with any situation.
“Delhi Police is ready to deal with any situation. As a precautionary measure, police have deployed several company forces in some areas. Police is also monitoring social networking sites to check rumours,” Randhawa said.
Internet Suspended in 21 Districts of UP: DGP OP Singh
OP Singh, UP DGP said on Friday that internet services have been suspended in 21 districts of the state.
“The law and order situation is absolutely under control, we continue to have strategic deployment of forces and Special Investigation Teams have been formed to investigate cases. We have suspended internet services in 21 districts, they will be restored as and when situation demands,” Singh said.
3,500 personnel of central paramilitary forces and 12,000 jawans of the UP provincial armed constabulary (PAC) are on the job to maintain peace, Singh also said.
Norwegian Citizen Asked to Leave India by Immigration Authorities
Janne-Mette Johansson, a Norwegian citizen who reportedly took part in anti-CAA protest in Kochi has taken to Facebook to claim that immigration authorities have asked her to leave India.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Mette-Johannson, was on Thursday, 26 December, summoned to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kochi and interrogated about her participating in an anti-CAA march earlier in the week.
Bail Plea Filed by 2 Accused in Seelampur Violence Case to Be Heard on 30 December
Delhi's Karkardooma Court will hear on 30 December the bail petition filed by two accused in the Seelampur violence case.
Security Tightened in Delhi's Seelampur, Drones in Use for Surveillance
Security has been tightened at Seelampur in Delhi and drones are being used for security surveillance.
Gandhi Peace Foundation Starts 'We Sit Together’ Protest Outside Jamia
Gandhi Peace Foundation on Wednesday, 25 December, started a protest called ‘We Sit Together’ where a photo gallery of Gandhi is displayed outside gate number 10 at Jamia University.
“This is a silent protest for the movement to go on where Section 144 is imposed quite often and to create a co-protesting co-working space where the spirit of students for education can be kept alive,” protesters of Gandhi Peace Foundation said.
Heavy Police Deployment in Various Parts of National Capital Amid Protests Calls
Heavy police forces have been deployed in parts of Delhi ahead of Friday prayers and protests calls by some organisations against the amended Citizenship Act, police said.
Meanwhile, the police organised a flag march in northeast Delhi's Seelampur, Jafrabad and Mustafabad areas on Friday.
Adequate police forces from adjoining districts and fifteen companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the Northeast district to maintain law and order in the area.
Protest Outside Jama Masjid Against CAA
A protest is underway outside Jama Masjid against the CAA. Congress leader Alka Lamba is also present at the protest.
Protesters Marching Towards PM's Residence Stopped by Police
Hundreds of protesters were marching to the PM’s residence to demand the release of Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad and voice their dissent against the CAA and the NRC.
The protesters took part in the march with their hands tied so they can't be blamed for violence and arson during the protest.
The protesters, including Bhim Army members, began marching from the Jor Shahe Mardan Qarbala in Jor Bagh and were stopped by police at a barricade on the way to the prime minister's residence in Lok Kalyan Marg a few kilometres away.
Delhi Police Detains Protesters Outside UP Bhawan
Anti-Citizenship Act protesters were, on Friday, 27 December, detained by Delhi Police outside Uttar Pradesh Bhawan in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri.
New Law Against Constitution: Former Minorities Commission Chairman
Former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities Wajahat Habibullah said the new law is against the basic principles laid down in the Constitution.
"The way people have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh for no fault of theirs, the government needs to remember that when the MPs we elect don't raise voice for us that is when people take to streets to raise their voices themselves," he added.
CAA Won't Be Implemented in Bengal as Long as I'm Alive: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that as long as she is alive the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in Bengal.
None can snatch away the rights of the people of the country, like citizenship, the Trinamool Congress supremo said at a programme in West Bengal’s Naihati
Mumbai Witnesses Protests for, and Against CAA Within 4Kms Distance
As hundreds of protesters gathered at South Mumbai's Azad Maidan to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act, a protest in support of the Act was also witnessed only four kilometres away, at the August Kranti Maidan, where protests against the Act have been taking place frequently.
Seemapuri Violence: Court Allows Police to Conduct Bone Ossification Test of Accused
A Delhi court on Friday allowed Delhi Police to carry out bone ossification test to ascertain the age of one of the accused, arrested in connection with violent protest at Seemapuri against the amended Citizenship Act, claiming juvenility.
BJP to Carry National-Level Conference to Reach Out to Muslims
BJP to organise a national-level conference in 1st week of January to reach out to Muslims to counter opposition's campaign on citizenship issues in the community. Also, a nationwide 'sampark abhiyan' will be carried out to meet opinion makers of Muslim community.
Delhi Police "Unlawfully" Detains People from Assam Bhawan
According to visuals doing the rounds online, the Delhi police, on Friday 27 December, detained several people, who claimed to not even be protesting against the Citizenship Act in the national capital.
The visuals show people resisting their detention, claiming they have been picked up for no reason. Some said that they were just going home or about their business, when the police personnel forcefully shoved them in a bus. "They are not telling us why we are being detained, or where they are taking us."
'Understand the Chronology': Priyanka Gandhi's Dig at Amit Shah Over NRC Remarks
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday took a veiled dig at Home Minister Amit Shah over his "understand the chronology" remark on the National Register of Citizens and Citizenship Amendment Act and said "youngistan will not budge".
6 Lakh Cheque from Muslims for Damage Amid Anti-CAA Violence
The Uttar Pradesh government has sent out a press release saying that the Muslim community in Bulandshahr has handed over the district administration a cheque of over Rs 6 lakh for the damages caused by the violence in the town last week on Friday, 20 December.
Delhi Police Heckles, Thrashes Journalist
The Delhi police, on Friday, during the protests against the Citizneship Act, manhandled and thrashed a Business Standard journalist at the Mandir Marg police station in the national Capital.
'Shocked Every Protester,' Says CM Yogi on UP Crackdown
Justifying the Uttar Pradesh crackdown on protests against CAA, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to Twitter on Friday, 27 December, and wrote that the state government’s action has “shocked every protester.”
Mangaluru Police Arrests 12 People in Relation to Anti-CAA Protests
In relation to the protests against CAA and NRC that took place on 19 December, the Mangaluru Police have arrested 12 people. As many as 24 cases have been registered regarding the same.
According to Deccan Herald , Mangaluru Police Commissioner PS Harsha said that people who allegedly attacked the Mangaluru North Police Station have been held.
Indian Techies Pen Open Letter Against Citizenship Amendment Act
A grouping of Indian and Indian-origin professionals working with tech giants like Google, Uber, Amazon and Facebook have written an open letter against the new religion-based citizenship law and the planned national register of citizens, terming them as "fascist".
They urged business leaders like Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Mukesh Ambani to "take a stance and publicly denounce the fascist acts by the Indian government".
The letter by 'TechAgainstFascism' on online publishing platform Medium also urged the leaders to refuse to shut off the Internet at the "government's whim" and to ensure that content moderation is not skewing pro-government.
CAA Protests: Trinamool Congress to Give Rs 5 Lakh to Kin of Two Dead
Trinamool Congress delegation has reached Mangaluru, Karnataka to hand over Rs 5 lakh compensation each to the kin of the two people who died during protests against CAA on 19 December.
CAA: Section 144 to Be Imposed in Ayodhya Till 25 February
In context to the Citizenship Amendment Act, Section 144 has been extended till 25 February in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya.
According to Hindustan Times , Ayodhya’s District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha said, “Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been extended as a precautionary measure.”
Case Registered Against 10,000 AMU Students; PRO Claims No Information Yet
A case has been registered against 10,000 unidentified students of Aligarh Muslim University in connection with violence which broke out during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act on 15 December, ANI reported.
However, PRO of the University told The Quint that they have no information on it yet.
Congress Protests in Mumbai Against CAA and NRC
Congress has taken out a protest rally in Mumbai against the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens.
Owaisi Accuses BJP of 'False Propaganda' on NPR and NRC
The National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) are two sides of a coin, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has said.
His claim comes a day after Union Minister G Kishan Reddy had clarified that there was no link between the two.
"Home Minister Amit Shah said there is no difference between NPR and NRC. I am telling you that NPR and NRC are two sides of a coin. The rules of NPR and NRC are the same. These rules have been made as per the Citizenship Act, 1955 in which NPR and NRC are there.. if NPR is done in this country, NRC would also be done," Owaisi claimed.
He accused BJP leaders of spreading 'false propaganda' on television channels on the matter.
Rahul Slams Govt Over NPR, NRC; Says It Will Be More Disastrous Than Demonetisation
Attacking the government over the issue of the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, 28 December, said these exercises will be more disastrous than the note ban in November 2016.
The basic idea of these exercises is to ask all poor people whether they are Indian or not, he told reporters on the sidelines of the flag-hoisting ceremony at the AICC headquarters here on the occasion of 135th foundation day of the party.
Daryaganj Violence: Verdict on the Bail Plea of 15 Accused Today
Delhi Court will give its verdict on the bail plea of 15 accused in the Daryaganj violence case at 3 pm today.
Muslim Outfits Protest Against CAA in Chennai
Several Muslim outfits and a lot of women protest against CAA in the main streets of Chennai. They had earlier planned to march to the Governor's House but were redirected by the cops.
Congress Holds "Maha Rally" in Kerala Against CAA
Intensifying its protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, the Congress in Kerala took out a "Maha Rally" to the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, 28 December, in which various leaders, including former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram participated.
The rally, which began from Martyr's column, was led by KPCC President, Mullapally Ramachandran, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala, besides Chidambaram.
Senior RJD Leader Seeks Judicial Probe Into Violence During Anti-CAA Protests
Senior RJD leader and former Union minister MA Fatmi on Saturday, 28 December, sought a Supreme court-monitored probe into the recent violence at Jamia Millia, AMU and other parts of the country where several lives were lost during protests against the new citizenship law.
Fatmi, also a former secretary of the Aligarh Muslim University Students' Union, told PTI over phone that the rising incidents of police excesses can only be contested and confronted if the higher judiciary takes upon itself the responsibility for protecting the justice delivery system "which is being threatened".
He said, "When a chief minister can get away by issuing inflammatory and polarising statements and police officials instead of dousing fires are themselves exciting passions, only courts can save the day.”
TMC Team Hands Over Rs 5 Lakh to Kin of Two Dead in Mangaluru
The Trinamool Congress team consisting of Dinesh Trivedi and Nadimul Haque reached Mangaluru today morning and met the bereaved families and relatives of the two people who died during protests against CAA on 19 December.
Mother of Naushin, a 23-year- old labourer, who fell to police firing was given a cheque of Rs 5 lakh.
Jalil, another labourer who also fell to police firing is survived by his wife son and daughter. They were also given compensation. The delegation also met the injured at Unity Hospital.
'BJP Doesn't Want to Listen to People's Voice': Rahul Gandhi
While addressing a rally in Assam’s Guwahati, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused BJP of not listening to the people of the country.
“Wherever the BJP goes, it spreads hate. In Assam, youth is protesting, in other states protests happening as well. Why do you have to shoot and kill them? BJP doesn't want to listen to voice of people,” he said.
He questioned the government over economic slowdown, employment opportunities, ‘Make in India’ scheme.
“Today BJP has destroyed the economy of India. This is the highest unemployment rate that the country has seen in 35 years,” he added.
'Case Registered Against 1,000 AMU Students,' Says Aligarh SSP Citing Clerical Mistake
A case has been registered against 10,000 unidentified students of Aligarh Muslim University in connection with violence which broke out during protests against CAA on 15 December, ANI had reported.
Though the FIR mentions that the case has been registered against 10,000 students, Aligarh SSP Akash Kulhari has now said, “There was a clerical mistake in the report, case registered against 1,000 students and not 10,000.”
Those Who Damaged Public Property Will Compensate for It: CM Adityanath
UP CM Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that the government has decided that those who had damaged public property will compensate for it.
Hearing for Bail Plea of 15 Arrested in Daryaganj Violence Case Adjourned to 7 Jan
The hearing for the bail applications of 15 arrested in the Daryaganj violence case has been adjourned to 7 January, 2020.
Rahul Slams Government Over NPR, NRC
Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the National Population Register and the proposed NRC, terming the exercises "notebandi no. 2" and warning that they will be more disastrous than demonetisation.
The basic idea of these exercises is to ask all poor people whether they are Indian or not, Gandhi told reporters.
"This whole tamasha that is going on is notebandi no. 2. This will be more disastrous for the people than demonetisation. This will have twice the impact of demonetisation," he said, hitting out at the government.
"His (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) 15 friends will not have to show any document and the money generated will go into the pockets of those 15 people," he said.
CAA, NRC 'Unconstitutional', 'Illogical': Chidambaram
Speaking at the Congress’ ‘Maha Rally’ in Kerala, former Union Finance minister P Chidambaram said the party’s demand was to suspend CAA and completely stop NRC.
"We will continue to fight until our demands are met," the Congress leader said.
Describing the CAA and NRC as most "unconstitutional" and "illogical", Chidambaram said he was confident that the Supreme Court would strike it down.
"The Citizenship Amendment Act destroys the very basis of our Constitution. If they had two thirds of majority in Parliament, they would have amended the Constitution," Chidambaram claimed.
Since the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre was unable to amend the Constitution, they are amending it through the "backdoor," he said.
Priyanka Gandhi Stopped on Her to Way to Visit Family of Arrested Protester in UP
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was stopped on Saturday, 28 December, on her way to visit the family of Sadaf Jafar who was arrested during anti-CAA protests in Uttar Pradesh.
"There's no point stopping us on road. It's not an issue of SPG but of UP police,” she said.
AMU Students Invite Police Officials for Iftar
In an effort to restore goodwill, Aligarh Muslim University students sat with police officials posted at the campus during an iftar after concluding a day-long fast observed in solidarity with the victims of violence during the protests against the new citizenship law last week.
They interacted during the evening meal on Friday near the Babe Syed Gate of the university.
Led by former president of the students union Faizul Hasan, some AMU students protesting against the amended citizenship law invited police officials to join them for iftar.
Police Tried to Manhandle, Strangle Me: Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi alleged, on Saturday, that UP Police stopped and surrounded her and then strangled her when she was trying to visit the kin of arrested CAA protester, former IPS officer SR Darapuri, in Lucknow.
“UP police stopped me while I was going to meet family of Darapuri ji. Police strangulated and manhandled me. They surrounded me while I was going on a party worker's two-wheeler, after which I walked to reach there,” she said.
Congress Demands Inquiry After UP Cops Allegedly Manhandle Priyanka Gandhi
“Uttar Pradesh Police manhandled Priyanka Gandhi. She was pushed, she lost her balance, and fell down. I want to ask UP Police, are you running the state as a banana republic? She has CRPF security,” Congress’ Sushmita Dev said, addressing a press conference on the issue.
“How can you treat her like that? We want an inquiry and we want action against Yogi Adityanath. The police officer should be removed,” Dev added.
7 People Detained in Chennai for Drawing Anti-CAA Slogan Kolam
Four women and a boy was detained for drawing kolam (rangoli) outside people’s house and common places in Besant Nagar with ANTI-CAA slogans. Two lawyers, who went to the police station, have also been detained.
The police including the assistant commissioner were at the location the entire time. Soon they forcibly detained the protesters and took them to the station citing 'unlawful assembly', and also because they didn't seek prior permission for the rangoli protest.
Speaking to The Quint, the police said that the five people are in a ‘mandap’ near the police station and are yet to be brought to the station.
'Only Those Who Say Bharat Mata Ki Jai Can Live Here': Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday, 28 December, lashed out at those opposing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) asking whether they wanted the country to become a “Dharamshala” (an open house).
Addressing a function of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, an RSS-affiliated student union, he said people like Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.
“Are we going to make our country a Dharam Shala now where anyone can roam freely?” he asked.
“Therefore, we need to accept this challenge and we should make sure that only those who are ready to say Bharat Mata Ki Jai can live here,” the BJP leader said.
Mayawati Suspends BSP MLA for Supporting CAA
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Sunday, 29 December, suspended party MLA Rama Bai for supporting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
Rama Bai, who represents Patheriya Assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district, on Saturday evening supported the Citizenship (Amendment) Act at a function held in her constituency where Union minister Prahlad Patel was present, according to PTI.
Mayawati, in a tweet on Sunday said, "The BSP is a disciplined party and it takes prompt action against its MP and MLAs who break discipline. Taking this into account, the party suspends Madhya Pradesh's Patheriya MLA Rama Bai Parihar for supporting CAA. She has been banned from taking part in the party functions "
No Interconnection Between CAA, NPR and NRC: Law Minister RS Prasad
Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday, 29 December, said that there is no interconnection between CAA, NPR and NRC and that citizens should not be apprehensive.
“Let me be very clear, there should be no ground for concern. It has been clarified by the Prime Minister, home minister, me and others that the three issues in contention: CAA, NPR and NRC are not interconnected,” he told Hindustan Times.
Calling NRC a separate chapter, he said CAA does not apply to any Indian, including Indian Muslims.
He also said that though the government is committed with going ahead with NRC, it would follow due legal processes and talk to all stakeholders.
South Delhi Witnesses Anti-CAA Protest March
South Delhi’s Hauz Khas saw an Anti-CAA protest march on Sunday, 29 December, as hundreds of protesters hit the streets.
81 Detained in Ahmedabad as They Gather for Anti-CAA Protest
Eighty-one persons including students were detained on Sunday as they gathered to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens near Gujarat University here, the police told PTI.
They were taken into custody as the protest had no permission and released soon afterwards, the police said.
Activists from civil society groups, faculty members of educational institutions including the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, trade union leaders and students gathered at the site for staging a demonstration around 5 pm.
"They were detained as the police had denied permission for the protest," inspector H M Vyas of Gujarat University police station said, reports PTI.
Candlelight Protest at Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh Against CAA-NRC
Govt Will Not Tolerate Educational Institutions Turning Into Hubs of Politicking: HRD Minister
As anti-citizenship law protests in various universities showed no signs of let up, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Sunday said the central government will not tolerate educational institutions turning into hubs of politicking "at any cost".
He said that anyone is free to engage in political activities, but colleges and universities should be kept out of it, as many students come to study from far-off places, reported PTI.
PM Modi Launches Campaign to Support CAA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday 30 December, launched a campaign in support of the controversial Citizenship Act. The prime minister launched the campaign on his twitter and on his website, narendramodi.in. The Prime Minister, in his campaign, urges people to show their support by using the hashtag #IndiaSupportsCAA.
Complaint Against Six Police Personnel in UP's Bijnor
Family of a 20-year-old, who was killed during the Citizenship Amendment Act protests in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor have filed a complaint against six policemen, Hindustan Times reported on Monday, 30 December.
Mamata Banerjee's Assurance to West Bengal Residents
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on Monday 30 December, said that the people of West Bengal need to just ensure their names are there in voters list. “The rest will be taken care of by me,” she said.
Delhi Court to Pronounce Order in Jafrabad Violence Tomorrow
A Delhi court will pronounce its order on the bail plea of
the two accused in the Jafrabad violence on Tuesday, 31 December.
Sambhal Admin Serves Notices on 59 People
The district administration in UP’s Sambhal has served notices on 59 persons for allegedly damaging public property during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, an official said on Monday.
Confirming it, Additional District Magistrate Kamlesh Awasthi on Monday said so far notices against the damage worth Rs 15.35 lakh had been served on 59 people.
When asked that those given notices were claiming to be innocent, Awasthi said, "The notices have been issued. They have to answer. Everyone will be given full opportunity of hearing."
District Magistrate Avinash Krishna Singh said, "A bus was burnt during violent anti-CAA protests. Initial investigation reveal that public property worth Rs 15.25 lakh was damaged. Based on video clips, CCTV footage and photographs, 59 persons have been identified. The damage to government property will be recovered from them."
AASU Holds Sit-in Protest Against CAA in Guwahati
All Assam Student’s Union held a sit-in protest against the CAA in Guwahati.
25-Yr-Old Arrested From Kalkaji For Alleged Involvement in Jamia Violence
A 25-year-old man was arrested from Delhi's Kalkaji area for alleged involvement in the 15 December violence near Jamia Millia Islamia, the police said on Monday, reported PTI.
Delhi Police Writes to HC For Appointing Claims Commissioner
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has written to the Delhi High Court for appointing a claims commissioner to estimate the damage during protests against CAA, reported ANI.
Kerala CM Opposes Citizenship Amendment Act
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has moved resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act in the state assembly, demanding the withdrawal of CAA.
Seemapuri Violence Accused's Case to be Heard on 6 Jan
The bail plea of 11 accused in violence during the Anti-CAA demonstrations in Delhi’s Daryaganj will be heard on 6 January. The Delhi police has also transferred the case to a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Railways Seeks Rs 80 Crore in Damages During Violence
The Indian railways will recover at least Rs 80 crore from those who vandalised Railway properties during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country.
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar Extends Support to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Nationalist Congress party chief Sharad Pawar, on Tuesday 31 December, extended his support to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, for her protest against the Citizenship Act and the National Register of Citizens.
Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Demanding Withdrawal of CAA
Soon after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the state Assembly, on Tuesday, 31 December, demanding its withdrawal, the state Assembly has passed the resolution.
Seelampur Violence: Delhi Court Grants Interim Bail to Two on Medical Grounds
A Delhi court on Tuesday granted interim bail on medical grounds to two people arrested in connection with the violent protests against the amended citizenship act in Seelampur here.
Additional District Judge Brijesh Garg granted the relief to accused Yusuf Ali and Moinuddin for three weeks subject to each of them furnishing of a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with a surety of like amount.
The court asked both of them to get themselves examined and treated at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here after being released from jail and listed the matter for final disposal on 21 January.
Zeeshan Ayyub to Celebrate New Year With Anti-CAA Protesters
A few Bollywood actors are likely to celebrate the New Year with the students who are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). One of the names is that of Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, who has decided to spend the entire day of 1 January in Delhi's Jamia and Shaheen Bagh areas among the protesters.
Anti-CAA Protest at Midnight on New Year's Eve in Chennai
Home Ministry to Decide on PFI Ban, Says Prasad
Commenting on Uttar Pradesh Police’s request to ban Popular Front of India, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday, 01 January, said, “PFI’s role in violence is coming forward, Home Ministry will decide on further action based on evidence. There're many allegations against them including connection with Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).”
Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh said on Tuesday that they had written to the Union Home Ministry after PFI’s Uttar Pradesh head, Wasim, and 16 other activists were arrested for allegedly masterminding the violence in the state capital during anti-CAA protests.
25 persons affiliated with the organisation have been arrested across the state, for their involvement in different criminal activities, Praveen Kumar, IG (Law & Order), Uttar Pradesh, told ANI.
“There is there is a Constitutional obligation on every state to exercise the executive power in such a way that ensures compliance with laws made by Parliament,” Prasad added.
'Akhilesh Should Stay in Pak to Understand Atrocities Faced by Hindus': UP BJP President
Hitting out at Akhilesh Yadav for opposing the NPR and the NRC, Uttar Pradesh BJP president Swatantra Dev Singh on Wednesday said the Samajwadi Party chief should stay in Pakistan for a month to understand the atrocities being faced by Hindus there.
Singh also asserted that the amended Citizenship Act was not against the poor and accused Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of misguiding the people on the law, PTI reported.
“Akhilesh should stay in Pakistan for one month and pray in Hindu temples, then he will have first hand experience of atrocities committed on Hindus in Pakistan,” the state BJP chief said.
His remarks come after Yadav on 29 December said the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) were against the poor and minorities of the country, while asserting that he will not fill up the NPR form.
BJP To Launch Campaign In Bengal To Counter TMC's 'Misinformation Programmes'
The BJP leadership has decided to launch a campaign blitzkrieg in West Bengal to counter the TMC's "misinformation programmes" regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act and reach out to refugees.
The West Bengal BJP leadership had hoped that that the new citizenship law would be its "political trump card" ahead of the 2021 assembly polls in the state.
But an aggressive campaign against the CAA by the Trinamool Congress, other opposition parties, civil society groups, students and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's declaration not to implement the CAA in the state, has put the saffron party on the backfoot.
Protests Continue in Delhi Amid New Year Celebrations
Amid New Year celebrations, protests against the amended citizenship law continued in various parts of Delhi, including at Shaheen Bagh, Jamia Millia Islamia and India Gate, where agitators sang legendary poet Faiz Ahamed Faiz's 'Hum Dekhenge' and pledged to "defend the Constitution".
Assam CM Shown Black Flags by Agitators
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal was shown black flags by agitators protesting against the contentious Citizenship law on Wednesday, reported PTI.
Protests against the amended law continued in several parts of the state.
Those Vowing Not to Implement CAA Should Seek Appropriate Legal Opinion: RS Prasad
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said state governments have a Constitutional duty to implement laws passed by Parliament and those vowing not to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act should seek appropriate legal opinion, reported PTI.
He said it was surprising that those who have come to power by taking oath under the Constitution are making "unconstitutional" statements.
His statement came a day after the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the amended citizenship law.
UP Police Arrests 25 PFI Members in Lucknow
The Uttar Pradesh Police, on Wednesday, 1 January arrested 25 members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) from various districts in connection with the violence duting protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Lucknow.
Where Will Persecuted Hindus Go if Not India: Union Minister's Response to Protesters
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, on Wednesdaym, 1 January, said that Hindus facing religious persecution in Pakistan and Bangladesh will naturally come to India, not go to some other place like Italy.
"Why are you protesting? Against whom are you protesting? If Hindus from Pakistan and Bangladesh don't come to India, where will they go, Italy?" reddy was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.
Citizenship is a Central Matter: Kerala Guv on Assembly Resolution Against CAA
Kerala Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, on the state Assembly's resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, said that the resolution has no legal or constitutional validity and that it means nothing. He said that this is so because citizenship is a central subject.
Jafrabad Violence: Delhi Court Extends Judicial Custody of Accused
A Delhi court extended judicial custody of the rest of the accused in the Jafrabad violence till 16 January. Two of the accused in the case were granted bail earlier.
No Varsity Student Died Due to Injuries Sustained During Anti-CAA Protests: Jamia
Jamia Millia Islamia on Thursday rejected reports that one of their students succumbed to injuries sustained during the protests against the amended citizenship law.
There were reports doing the rounds that a student had died during the police action in the protests on 15 December. However, the hospital, where he was admitted, said that the deceased was not a protester and had died due to chicken pox.
According to Ahmad Azeem, Public relations officer of the varsity, they have been informed by the Proctor's office that the deceased was not a student of the varsity.
Reached Out to Countries on CAA, NRC: MEA
MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday that they had reached out to countries across the world on Citizenship (Amendment) Act and NRC.
“We did reach out to countries across all geographical regions, we did write to our missions to share our prospective on Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens with the host government,” Kumar said.
“We did reach out to countries across all geographical regions, we did write to our missions to share our prospective on Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens with the host government,” Kumar said.
Some Organisers Withdraw From Shaheen Bagh Protest
A few of the organisers have withdrawn from the Shaheen Bagh protest, in an attempt to “avoid politicisation of the stage by parties”, according to a message being forwarded by some organisers. However, some of the locals are still continuing the protest and have reportedly been joined by some members of political parties..
“We have called off the Shaheen Bagh road blockade today to avoid the impending violence from party goons and to avoid politicisation of the stage by parties. Police was probably asked not to intervene, because BJP intends to intervene themselves. If that happens, our peaceful protest will be tarnished, and it will break the morale of the people. We have achieved a lot in last 20 days, with greatest among them was the participation of women, and the peaceful way in which we have maintained this. We can block the road again in a few days, if we retreat peacefully,” the message said.
Mass Pledge at India Gate: ‘Kaagaz Nahi Dikhayenge’
Beginning the New Year with a pledge to oppose the CAA and the NRC, scores of protesters took a mass pledge at India Gate Wednesday to not show any documents to prove their citizenship, The Indian Express reported.
With placards in hands, raising the slogan ‘kaagaz nahi dikhayenge’, the crowd pledged to defend the Constitution.
After reading the Preamble to the Constitution, the protesters pledged: “We, today on 1st January 2020, reiterate our resolve to give ourselves a society free of oppressors and take oath to not show any document to prove our citizenship. We will observe and propagate complete non-cooperation with anti-constitutional and anti-India forces.”
Protests Against CAA 'Mostly Political': Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday described the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as "mostly political" and asserted that no Indian will lose his or her nationality due to the newly enacted legislation.
Shah also challenged Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to show one clause in the CAA under which anyone is going to lose Indian citizenship.
"I agree that these are mostly political protests. Some people are also misguided but we are trying to convince them," he told ABP News, according to PTI.