Citizenship Act Protest Updates: Delhi students hoping for a dialogue with the police offer them roses
Internet services have been suspended in Meerut and Bareilly following the violent protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act in the state. Mobile internet services have been suspended in Ghaziabad for 24 hours from 10 pm on Thursday in view of violent protests against the new citizenship law in parts of Uttar Pradesh, an official said. Hundreds of protesters were detained including historian Ramachandra Guha during a protest march against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Thursday. The police, in more than 10 cities, have not given permission to organise protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. In Delhi, mobile internet services have been snapped in some parts of the city, including ITO where many newspapers have their offices. In reply to customer tweets, Airtel confirmed that voice, internet and SMS services have been snapped.
Massive jams were witnessed in many parts of the national capital on Thursday morning as the authorities barricaded roads, imposed traffic restrictions and suspended Internet services to clamp down on planned protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Delhi-Gurgaon border was among the worst affected. The police also imposed a ban on large gatherings under Section 144 of the CrPC near Red Fort in central Delhi, the starting point of one of the proposed rallies, and many protesters who came there were subsequently detained.
The Delhi Metro tweeted entry and exit gates at 18 stations have been shut. Some of them are: Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Vishwavidyalaya, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jasola Vihar, Shaheen Bagh and Munirka.
Here are the highlights on developments on Citizenship Amendment Act:
Delhi police conduct flag march, area domination amid continued protests
In order to maintain law and order, police carried out flag march and area domination exercise in Delhi on Thursday. Police also held peace committee meetings in several parts of Delhi as a confidence-building measure.
It came in the backdrop of protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in various parts of the national capital.
Police officials including senior officers visited several areas, interacted with people and urged them to maintain peace in North East, Shahdara and South Delhi among other districts of the national capital.
Internet services suspended in Meerut, Bareilly
Internet services have been suspended in Meerut and Bareilly following the violent protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act in the state.
In Meerut, the administration has snapped the services on Thursday evening which will remain imposed till Friday evening, while in Bareilly internet has been suspended till December 21.
Curfew extended to entire Mangalore City Commissionarate
Curfew being extended to entire Mangaluru City Commissionerate from 6 pm today till midnight on 22nd, an official said. Previously it was imposed in 5 police station limits only.
Mobile internet suspended in Ghaziabad for 24 hours
Mobile internet services have been suspended in Ghaziabad for 24 hours from 10 pm on Thursday in view of violent protests against the new citizenship law in parts of Uttar Pradesh, an official said.
The action has been taken to avoid the spread of hate messages on social media with an aim to disturb the communal peace and harmony, the official said.
District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pande has instructed mobile phone service providers to suspend internet services till 10 pm on Friday, the official said.
The district magistrate has taken this action to thwart any possibility of violence and arson in the district, he added.
"Paranoid, insecure regime": Ramachandra GuhaHistorian Ramachandra Guha, detained during protests in Bengaluru today over the citizenship law, said the enforcement of Section 144, a British-era ban on large gatherings, is the mark of a "
paranoid, fearful and insecure" regime. He called it the "fourth or fifth" crisis the republic was going through since its independence.
"Shutting internet in Delhi? What signal will it send to the world? Is this a self-confident India," Ram Guha questioned, speaking to NDTV after his release around four hours later.
"The British viceroy did the same thing. Indira Gandhi did the same thing. The police thought if they pick up 15 people in Bengaluru they would be scared. There was absolutely no reason to impose Section 144 unless you are plain stupid."
The 61-year-old historian was at a protest at the Town Hall in Bengaluru speaking to the NDTV reporter when he was dragged mid-sentence by a group of policemen, detained and hauled into a bus.
BJP pulls out old video of Manmohan Singh speaking on Citizenship inn Rajya SabhaAmid nationwide protests against the Citizenship Act,
an old video of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaking in support of citizenship to minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh - as the new law promises - was circulated by BJP leaders on Thursday.
The BJP released archive footage from parliament in 2003 of Manmohan Singh speaking in the Rajya Sabha, apparently on the citizenship law.
Dr Singh is heard saying: "While I am on this subject, Madam, I would like to say something, about the treatment of refugees. After the partition of our country, the minorities in countries like Bangladesh, have faced persecution, and it is our moral obligation that if circumstances force people, these unfortunate people, to seek refuge in our country, our approach to granting citizenship to these unfortunate persons should be more liberal."
Mamata Banerjee calls for "UN referendum on Citizenship Act if BJP has guts"Amid the countrywide unrest over the centre's new citizenship law, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today dared the ruling BJP to go for a
UN-monitored referendum on the matter. Addressing a huge rally in Kolkata -- part of a 10-city protest -- Ms Banerjee said, "If BJP has guts, it should go for a UN-monitored referendum on the amended Citizenship Act and NRC".
"If the BJP loses this mass vote, then it should step down from the government," she added.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minster Amit Shah, she said, "Let's have a vote. Just because you are majority, you can't do just about anything. You are terrorising all, the pillars of society".
1 dead in Lucknow from "alleged firearm injury" amid protests At least
one person died in Lucknow on Thursday from what the police called "alleged firearm injury" during violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The police cracked down on protesters using tear gas and batons after vandalism, arson and stone-throwing erupted during a demonstration in the Uttar Pradesh capital against the contentious law.
Anti-citizenship law protesters hurled stones and damaged police outposts and a number of vehicles mainly in the Old City areas of Lucknow, forcing the police to use tear-gas shells to control the situation.
The protesters torched a state-run bus at Parivartan Chowk, close to the district magistrate's office, and torched a police post in Satkhanda area.
Amit Shah to chair meeting on nationwide protests against Citizenship ActUnion Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a
meeting to review the security situation in the country on Thursday evening amid violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, officials said. Massive protests against the contentious new law that promises citizenship to immigrants from neighbouring countries excluding Muslims have swept India culminating into clashes with law enforcement and crackdowns.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy and Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla are expected to attend the meeting. The tension in several parts of the country will be reviewed threadbare by the Home Ministry in the meeting, the officials said.
India Muzzles Citizenship Law Protests: Foreign MediaIndian authorities on Thursday clamped down on demonstrations against a contentious citizenship law, invoking a measure to prohibit public gatherings in two states and parts of the nation's capital, together home to more than 260 million people.
Citizenship Amendment Act Protests: India vs Lockdown. Protesters Detained In Delhi, Bengaluru - 10 PointsThousands hit the streets across at least 10 states -- defying a lockdown across Uttar Pradesh, parts of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi -- in protest against the Centre's new law on citizenship. Permission for the protest was denied in almost all states. In Delhi, hundreds of protesters, activists and opposition leaders were temporarily taken into custody as they defied a law banning large gatherings. The Delhi-Haryana border was sealed - hitting road traffic and delaying flights. Over 100 people were temporarily detained in Bengaluru along with historian Ramchandra Guha, who was dragged away by the police in the middle of a television interview. In Lucknow and Ahmedabad, protesters clashed with the police. Curfew was declared in Mangaluru, where the police had opened fire. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will review the security situation in the country, officials said.
Protesters march in Jaipur against Citizenship Act
Thousands of people belonging to the Left parties, lawyers fraternity, CIPU, People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), civil society, teachers, professors, and many other organisations came together to take out a massive protest march against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Jaipur on Thursday, while the BJP announced that it will rally in support of the Act on Friday.
On Thursday, the protest march by the CPI, CPI(M), advocates, CIPU, PUCL was peaceful unlike in other states and there was no detention of any protester.
The march, which started from Khasa Kothi in Jaipur culminated at the district collectorate, where slogans were raised asking the government to rollback the new Act. Five representatives amongst the protesters presented a memorandum addressed to the President of India to the collector.
Sanjay Madhav from the CPI-M said, "The protest was taken out to save the Constitution and Democracy. The BJP, in order to save its face on real issues, has tried to divert attention by dividing the nation between Hindus and Muslims and we will not let that happen," he told IANS.
Roundup on places which saw massive protests against Citizenship Act across country
Protests broke out in several parts of the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Here are the major trouble spots:
DELHI:
Red Fort - Hundreds of protestors were dragged into buses by police in an attempt to clear the area where Section 144 of the CrPC was imposed which restricts gathering of more than four people. Swaraj Abhiyan President Yogendra Yadav and student leader Umar Khalid are among those detained. Yogendra Yadav has now been released.
Mandi House - Left leaders, including Sitaram Yechury, D Raja, Nilotpal Basu and Brinda Karat, were detained.
Jantar Mantar - Hundreds of flag-waving students and activists converged here after protesters were evicted from Mandi House and Red Fort.
UTTAR PRADESH:
Lucknow - Protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles parked outside a police post. Police fired tear-gas shells to control the situation in Madeyganj area. About 20 people have been taken into custody.
Sambhal - A state-run bus was set on fire and another was damaged. Some protesters pelted stones at a police station. Internet services have been suspended here,
BIHAR:
Patna - Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) workers vandalised buses and cars, burnt tyres on roads to obstruct the movement of vehicles and squatted on railway tracks. Activists belonging to pro-Left student bodies such as AISF and AISA stormed the Rajendra Nagar Terminus and squatted on tracks disrupting the movement of trains for about half an hour.
Jehanabad - CPI(ML) activists staged a roadblock on Kako More, disrupting traffic on national highways NH 110 and 83.
KARNATAKA:
Bengaluru - Hundreds of people, including writer and historian Ramachandra Guha, were detained. Mr Guha has now been released.
Mangaluru - Protests turned violent with demonstrators hurling stones at police personnel leading to a lathi-charge.
TELANGANA:
Hyderabad - Protesters, including students, were taken into preventive custody.
WEST BENGAL:
Kolkata - Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a rally in Kolkata's Rani Rashmoni Avenue. Left parties organised a march from Ramlila Maidan to Park Circus.
GUJARAT:
Ahmedabad - Police baton-charged some protesters who gathered in the Sardar Baug area.
MAHARASHTRA:
Mumbai - Political party workers and students demonstrated at the historic August Kranti Maidan. Similar protests were organised in Nagpur and Pune.
People form human chain around muslims offering Namaz during protest in DelhiPeople of different faiths today formed a
human chain around Muslims as they offered namaz in the national capital. The heartwarming scene played out in the middle of a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that took place outside the gates of Jamia Millia Islamia University in southeast Delhi, reports news agency ANI.
Last Sunday, in contrast, a protest by students of Jamia Millia Islamia ended in a pitched battle with the police, with the cops entering the university and detaining students.
A video shared by ANI on Twitter shows some people standing shoulder to shoulder as others read namaz - an act of worship in Islam that is observed five times every day at prescribed times.
In Video, Karnataka Police Seen Opening Fire In Air During Protests In Mangaluru Police personnel were seen firing in the air to disperse protesters against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Karnataka's Mangaluru on Thursday, when agitations broke out simultaneously across the country.
Restrictions on large gatherings had been placed over the entire state since the previous evening, with the BJP-led government denying student groups and activists permission to hold protests against the controversial law.
In video footage procured by NDTV, around four policemen in riot gear could be seen shooting in the air on what seemed like a deserted ground even as people stood watching from some distance. The action was reportedly taken to quell a crowd of protesters that was increasingly getting out of control.
British Council remained shut in Delhi today, cancelled book launch event
The British Council, UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, said it will remain closed on Thursday due to protests against the new citizenship law in parts of Delhi.
The closure has resulted in the cancelling of the book launch of "Forgotten Master: Indian Painting For the East Indian Company", edited by celebrated author-historian William Dalrymple.
In a statement, the council said they will be closed for the day due to the "protest happening in the close proximity" of their building and "in the interest of the safety of their customers and staff".
Delhi Police use drone to monitor protests against Citizenship Act
Delhi police used a drone to keep watch on protesters as they gathered to march against the amended citizenship law, from Red Fort in Old Delhi to Shaheed Park near ITO, on Thursday.
The police had denied permission to the left-backed AISA and the Swaraj Abhiyan to hold a march against the Citizenship Amendment Act from Red Fort, citing law and order issues.
A huge number of protesters were stopped at police barricades on Nishadraj Marg in Daryaganj, while trying to reach Red Fort. A drone hovered over them to record the happenings.
The protesters took to sloganeering, cheering and clapping as they spotted the drone.
"Drones are used to record happenings and in case of massive law and order situations, where things go out of hand, the recordings help in identifying those who cause a situation to go out of hand," a senior police officer said.
The protesters, mostly students and local residents, who gathered near the Sunehri Masjid after the police stopped them from moving towards Red Fort, rued that some political leaders were trying to hijack their protests.
Drones were also used by the police in the Seelampur area that witnessed violence and arson on Tuesday, to identify "miscreants", reported PTI.
After Section 144, protests in Delhi have been peaceful: Delhi Police
Delhi Police Public Relations Officer MS Randhawa addressed the media and said, "After Section 144 was imposed, some people had to be removed and detained but overall it was peaceful. People were temporarily detained at Red Fort. We allowed protests at Jantar Mantar. Many rumours from Jamia. Apart from Delhi Police, 52 companies of other forces, including RAF and CRPF, were deployed to maintain law and order in sensitive areas. No untoward incidents have been reported during protests against Citizenship Act on Thursday. Mobile internet was shut as a precautionary measure as we heard that it might be misused. We appeal to Delhi people to maintain peace and not pay heed to rumours. We are employed to handle the situation and we are fully capable of doing so."
Hundreds protest against Citizenship Act, Citizens' List in Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan
Hundreds, including college students, political and social activists, senior citizens and others, started assembling at the historic August Kranti Maidan in south Mumbai for the biggest protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register for Citizens, on Thursday afternoon.
The Mumbai Police have deployed a huge posse of armed personnel, riot police in full gear and monitoring the entire congested neighbourhood with CCTVs and drone cameras to ward of any untoward incidents.
A student leader from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Fahad Ahmad, one of the organisers for the day's demonstrations, has appealed to all participants to maintain complete peace and keep an eye out for miscreants who may mingle in the crowds and spark violence.
The police have imposed severe traffic restrictions and blocked roads to and around the grounds to regulate the huge crowds expected to turn up for the protests.
Traffic on Nana Chowk to Kemps Corner signals has been banned, traffic has been diverted from Kennedy Bridge, Sisil Junction, Kemps Corner and Tardeo, while parking will not be permitted in any of the roads surrounding the ground, said a police spokesperson.
These protests come after four days of agitations by students and political activists in different parts of the city, and various major state and central universities and cities around Maharashtra.
Peaceful protests have been held in IIT-Bombay, TISS, University of Mumbai, Pune University, FTII Pune, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Wardha, Thane, Palghar, Nashik, Aurangabad, Beed, and other districts.
Candle-light and 'mashaal' (torches) processions have also been held by university students in Mumbai and Pune and silent marches have been taken out also in support of the police action on students in Delhi's Jamia Milia Islamia and Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh Muslim University, reported IANS.
18 metro stations reopen in Delhi amid massive protests
All entry & exit gates of Chandni Chowk, Barakhamba, Mandi House, Pragati Maidan, Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Delhi Gate, ITO, Janpath, Khan Market, Vasant Vihar and Munirka are now open, says DMRC.
"Have to get Citizenship Act revoked," says Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, "Suddenly after 73 years of independence we have to prove that we are Indian citizens. Where was BJP's head and tail at that time, BJP is dividing the country. Don't stop your protest because we have to get the Citizenship Act revoked," tweeted ANI.
Internet services suspended in UP's Sambhal amid violent protests
Internet services have been suspended in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal after a public bus was set ablaze and another damaged as protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act turned violent, District Magistrate (DM) Avinash K Singh said.
Some of the protesters also pelted stones at a police station, he said.
"The internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent rumour-mongering," the DM added.
One state roadways bus was set on fire in Chaudhary Sarai area of the district today afternoon while another was damaged, Superintendent of Police Yamuna Prasad said.
Fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
This is the first incident on an attack on state-run buses in the state amid violent protests against the CAA.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) prohibiting unlawful assembly is in force in the state and no permission for any gathering has been given for December 19, Uttar Pradesh Police Chief OP Singh had said.
6 metro station reopen in Delhi amid citizenship protests
Entry and exit gates of Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Lok Kalyan Marg, Central Secretariat, Vishwavidyalaya and Udyog Bhavan in Delhi are now open, says DMRC.
Students' Federation of India protest against Jamia crackdown in Shimla
Himachal Pradesh University students belonging to the CPI-M's student wing, the Students Federation of India (SFI), on Thursday staged a protest in solidarity with the ongoing agitation against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
However, there are no reports of any disruption of traffic owing to the protest.
Protesters condemned the police action on protesting students at Jamia Millia Islamia and the Aligarh Muslim University, reported IANS.
19 IndiGo flights cancelled, 16 delayed from Delhi following massive traffic snarl
19 IndiGo flights have been cancelled and 16 others have been delayed as crew members were stuck in massive traffic jam at NH-8 due to anti-Citizenship Act protests on Thursday, a Delhi airport official said.
Three airlines -- Vistara, Air India and IndiGo -- announced that their passengers, who are stuck in traffic due to protests at various parts of Delhi, will be adjusted in subsequent flights.
"Till now, 16 flights have been delayed due to traffic jam at NH-8. IndiGo has cancelled 19 flights as the crew members were stuck in the traffic jam and because of other issues," the official said.
Citizenship Law, Citizens' List will be implemented, says JP Nadda
Amended citizenship law will be implemented, so will be NRC in future: BJP working president JP Nadda after meeting refugees from Afghanistan, reported PTI.
Delhi Police urges people to not believe in rumours
Delhi Police on Thursday requested people to not spread rumours and cooperate with the police while holding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 in the national capital.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed around Red Fort after a protest march was called on by various opposition parties.
"I request, through the media, to the people to not believe in any rumours and restrict themselves from spreading it. Also, cooperate with the police forces. Section 144 has been imposed only in Red Fort area and nowhere else," Delhi Police Public Relation Officer MS Randhawa told media.
"This is not the traditional route for any protest march. In Delhi, protests are held at designated routes. In a written request also we have requested the organisers to hold the protests at designated places and apply for that. If they will hold protests at non-designated places then it will cause public disturbance and affect emergency services," he added.
A large number of protests have gathered around the Red Fort to protest against the Citizenship Act, reported ANI.
Citizenship Act protesters in Lucknow torch police postThe police in Lucknow cracked down protesters using tear gas and batons after vehicles parked outside a police post were set on fire and stones thrown during a demonstration in the Uttar Pradesh capital against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
State police chief OP Singh said cops had to fire tear-gas shells to control the situation in Madeyganj area.
About 20 people have been taken into custody, he added.
There was tension in some other areas, especially the Muslim-dominated Old City areas, and police officials were having a tough time maintaining law and order.
Air India flights from Delhi delayed, waives off cancellation, rescheduling charges
Following massive traffic jam in Delhi Gurugram arterial riads, Air India issued an advisory saying: "In view of the current heavy traffic congestion along the Gurugram-Delhi highway, resulting in inconvenience to passengers, reissue/no-show/cancellation and refund charges for all domestic & international tickets for travel from Delhi on 19th Dec 2019 shall be waived, tweeted ANI. Further, 8 Air India flights have been delayed by 20-100 minutes at Delhi airport.
Students protest against Citizenship Act with flowers in Delhi
Protesting students in Delhi offer roses to police personnel. "We want to talk. We believe in peace," they say.
Hundreds protest against Citizenship Act, Citizens' List in Chandigarh
Hundreds, including students, on Thursday, demonstrated against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The protesters have gathered near the grounds outside a mosque in Chandigarh's Sector 20 and are expected to take out a march.
They also plan to submit a memorandum to Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator VP Singh Badnore to express their resentment against the amended Citizenship Act and the NRC.
A student protester said that they were protesting in solidarity with the students of Jamia Millia Islamia and several other universities across the country.
"Today, a conspiracy is being hatched to destroy the country's constitution and spoil the peaceful atmosphere. We are protesting against CAA and the government's decision to implement NRC in the country," another protester said, reported PTI.
The amended Citizenship Act seeks to provide citizenship to members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have entered India till December 31, 2014, following religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned the detention of historian Ramachandra Guha and others in Bengaluru for staging a demonstration against the new citizenship law and NRC.
Jamia Millia Islamia: Protestors offered prayers today
Protestors offered prayers today outside the Jamia Milia Islamia university in Delhi
Delhi Protest: Left, Congress leaders protesting against Citizenship Act detained in Delhi
Several opposition leaders agitating against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Thursday were detained by police. Swaraj Abhiyan President Yogendra Yadav was detained from the Red Fort, where prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code were imposed. Appealing for peace, he asked people to continue the peaceful protest, but warned protesters not to commit any mistake that could dilute their rightful cause. Left leaders including Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Communist Party of India chief D. Raja and Brinda Karat of the CPI-M were also detained at the Mandi House area. Former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit was also detained at Mandi house as he reached to participate in the protest march from the Red Fort to the Shaheed Park. "The police crackdown is uncalled for... police are working on the direction of the Union Government and is trying to suppress the dissenting voices but the government has failed on it as more people are coming out on streets to oppose the anti-people and divisive CAA," Sandeep Dikshit said.
Citizenship Act Protest: Communication services restored
Communication services in affected areas of Delhi restored: Airtel sources
.
Citizenship Act Protests: Rajiv Chowk metro station closed
Rajiv Chowk metro station has been also been closed. Here's the complete list of metro stations closed today: Jamia Millia Islamia, Jasola Vihar, Shaheen Bagh, Munirka, Lal Qila, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Vishwavidyalaya, Patel Chowk, Lok Kalyan Marg, Udyog Bhavan, ITO, Pragati Maidan, Khan Market, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, Vasant Vihar, Barakhamba and Janpath.
Activist Prashant Bhushan and Harsh Mander, who were detained and brought to the Model Town police station continue their protest.
Citizenship Act: Mumbai Police issues traffic advisory
Mumbai Police issues traffic advisory ahead of protest at August Kranti ground.
Citizenship Act Protests: Citizenship (Amendment) Act intensify in Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister and ruling Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who led massive marches in Kolkata and neighbouring Howrah on the twin issues over the past three days, is scheduled to address a meeting at the Rani Rashmoni Road. Hundreds of Trinamool workers and supporters have already started arriving at the spot. The Congress would take out a procession from the Tipu Sultan Mosque in Dharmatala area to Ram Mandir on Central Avenue as part of its "save the Constitution, save the country" political programme against the "black" law.
Traffic congestion has been reported at Delhi-Gurugram border on NH 48 due to barricading by Delhi Police.
Citizenship Act Protest: BJP Pulls Out Old Video Of Manmohan Singh On Citizenship
Amid nationwide protests against the Citizenship Act, an old video of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaking in support of citizenship to minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh - as the new law promises - was circulated by BJP leaders on Thursday.
The BJP released archive footage from parliament in 2003 of Manmohan Singh speaking in the Rajya Sabha, apparently on the citizenship law. "In 2003, speaking in Rajya Sabha, Dr Manmohan Singh, then Leader of Opposition, asked for a liberal approach to granting citizenship to minorities, who are facing persecution, in neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Citizenship Amendment Act does just that..." the BJP tweeted along with the video.
Citizenship act Protest
Bus set on fire in UP's Sambhal during protest against Citizenship Amendment Act.
Citizenship Act Protests: Cellular services shut Government orders the suspension of cellular services in the following areas
Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha tweets that he, too, has been detained by the police for protesting against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and NRC.
Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan on Thursday lashed out at the police action against historian Ramchandra Guha and Swaraj Abhiyaan chief Yogendra Yadav during the anti-CAA protests and expressed "concern" over their safety.
50 people were taken into custody in the South Zone of the city: Hyderabad Police
20 metro stations have been shut so far.
1. Jamia Millia Islamia
2. Jasola Vihar,
3. Shaheen Bagh
4. Munirka
5. Lal Qila
6. Jama Masjid
7. Chandni Chowk
8. Vishwavidyalaya
9. Patel Chowk
10. Lok Kalyan Marg
11. Udyog Bhavan
12. ITO
13. Pragati Maidan
14. Khan Market
15.Central Secretariat
16. Mandi House
17. Vasant Vihar
18. Barakhamba
19. Janpath
20. Rajiv Chowk
Delhi Protest: 17 Delhi Metro stations shut
Entry and exit at as many as 17 Delhi Metro stations were closed on Thursday as people, staging protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (2019) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), gathered at various venues despite massive police deployment and imposition of prohibitory orders in several places on Thursday. In the latest development, DMRC has shut entry and exit gates of Vasant Vihar and Mandi House metro stations. However, it has been clarified that the interchange facility is available at Mandi House. Earlier in the day, entry and exit gates of Patel Chowk, Lok Kalyan Marg, Udyog Bhawan, ITO, Pragati Maidan, and Khan Market were closed. "Trains will not be halting at these stations," read a tweet on the official Twitter handle of DMRC. "Entry & exit gates of Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Vishwavidyalaya are closed. Trains will not be halting at these stations. Entry & exit gates of Jamia Millia Islamia, Jasola Vihar Shaheen Bagh and Munirka, Barakhamba are closed. Trains will not be halting at these stations," tweeted DMRC earlier in the morning.
Several leaders detained: Officials
Left leaders D Raja, Sitaram Yechury, Nilotpal Basu, Brinda Karat, others detained at Mandi House during anti-CAA protest: Officials.
A large number of policemen also stood guard at Mandi House, another popular Delhi location replete with theatres, where activists had planned another protest. Sixteen metro stations were shut in Delhi. Police across the country moved in to control protesters as large gatherings were banned in many cities to preempt any trouble. At the core of the protests is the new citizenship law that allows non-Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to easily become Indian citizens. The exclusion of Muslims, say political parties and activists, is discriminatory and violates the principles of equality and secularism in the constitution.
A screenshot of Airtel's now deleted tweets to users informing them of internet being snapped on the government's order.
"Honour to be detained," says Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav who have been picked up by the police for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act in New Delhi, and said he was "honoured" to be detained. "It is an honour to be detained on 19th of December, a small tribute to Ashfakulla Khan and Ramprasad Bismil. Happy to be in the company of Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, ex-MP, Patiala," he tweeted, amid an intense clampdown on the national capital by the authorities in an attempt to curb protests against the controversial law.
Visuals from outside Delhi's iconic Red Fort as citizens came out to protest the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act as per the schedule, despite police denying them the permission.
Internet suspended in many parts of Delhi
Mobile service provider Airtel confirmed that voice, internet and messaging services have been suspended in "certain areas of Delhi" in compliance with the government's instructions.
Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav was detained while on his way to Red Fort.
Siddaramaiah accused the police of acting at behest of the current government and urged them to act 'human' first.
Citizenship Act: No permission for protest marchSwaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav had earlier said that the protest will take place despite restrictions imposed by the government. "Final clarification: there is no change our plans. We start at 11 am from Lal Qila," he tweeted shortly before being detained.
Citizenship Act: No permission for protest march
Permission has not been granted for the protest march to be held by the communist party from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar over Citizenship (Amendment) Act and NRC at 12 pm today.
Heavy security arrangements have been made outside the Red Fort ahead of today's protest march that is going to take place even after the administration denied permission.
Historian Ramachandra Guha was among some protesters detained in Bengaluru ahead of their planned protest march against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act today. "I have been detained for holding a photo of Mahatma Gandhi and speaking to the press," Mr Guha said.
SwarajIndia president Yogendra Yadav said that despite the prohibitory orders in place, the protest march against Citizenship (Amendment) Act and NRC will continue as per the scheduled time of 12pm today from the Lal Quila.
Police Detains Protestors
The police also imposed restrictions banning large gatherings near Red Fort in central Delhi, and until reports last came in, several protesters in the area had already been detained.
Samajwadi Party leaders sit outside UP Assembly
Samajwadi Party leaders sit on protest outside UP Assembly Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders on Thursday held a protest outside Assembly over several issues including Citizenship (Amendment) Act, law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and atrocities against women.
The police have also imposed restrictions banning large gatherings near the Red Fort area in central Delhi, sources said. Traffic cops said they are inspecting every car entering the city to ensure that potential protesters do not sneak in.
"Have been on National Highway 8 from 9.15 am. Over the last one hour traffic along the Gurgaon-Delhi highway has been crawling. I have travelled less than 4 km over the last 60 minutes. More determined than ever to make it to the rally. See u at Mandi House. Cancelled all progs," journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta tweeted.
Vistara Chief Commercial Officer tweeted their crew is also stuck in the traffic jam.
Police also announced that the Mathura Road-Kalindi Kunj route has been closed for traffic movement, and asked commuters from Noida to enter Delhi through DND Flyway or the Akshardham road.
Entry and exit gates of Patel Chowk, Lok Kalyan Marg, Udyog Bhawan, ITO, Pragati Maidan and Khan Market are closed. Trains will not be stopping at these stations. Jamia Millia Islamia, Jasola Vihar Shaheen Bagh and Munirka, Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Central Secretariat, Chandni Chowk and Vishwavidyalaya are the other stations that will be closed today.
IndiGo tweeted to give a heads-up to passengers about the traffic jam, asking them to factor in the situation while planning their commute to the airport.
Citizenship Act Protest: Huge jam at Delhi-Gurgaon border
Massive jams were witnessed in many parts of the national capital, including the Delhi-Gurgaon border, on Thursday morning as the Delhi police barricaded roads and imposed traffic restrictions to clamp down on planned protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The police have imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC near Red Fort area in central Delhi, sources said.
Citizenship Act Protests: 8 metro stations shut
The Delhi Metro has tweeted entry and exit gates at eight stations have been shut. They are: Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Vishwavidyalaya, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jasola Vihar, Shaheen Bagh and Munirka.
Section 144 imposed near Red Fort
Section-144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure which prohibits an assembly of more than 4 people in an area has been imposed near Red Fort in Delhi.
Traffic restrictions in parts of Delhi, massive jam at Gurgaon border amid planned protest against Citizenship Act.
Vistara tweeted as saying, " There is heavy traffic congestion on Delhi-Gurugram Highway, which is impacting both crew and customers."
Traffic congestion has been reported at Delhi-Gurugram border on NH 48 due to barricading by Delhi Police.
The argument that no nationwide NRC has been announced is not convincing as it is not the same as clearly stating that there will be no NRC, says Prashant Kishor.
The rally in Delhi - where protesters and the police clashed twice this week - was scheduled to be held from the iconic Red Fort. But in the evening, the police sent a refusal letter, saying the request could not be "acceded to from law and order and traffic point of view".
Several metro stations gates closed: DMRCThe entry and exit gates to several metro stations in Delhi have been closed, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced citing 'sudden safety and security' reasons ahead of two protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC scheduled for today in the National Capital.
Bihar Bandh to be Observed Today
Simultaneous protests against the new citizenship law have been planned in more than 10 cities across the country today. But by late Wednesday evening, the police in three cities - including the national capital - objected. Permission for any rally was withheld in Delhi. Lucknow banned large gatherings. So did Karnataka in parts of the state, including state capital Bengaluru.
Heavy deployment of police forces seen early in the morning in Bengaluru's Town Hall area that has been the hub of anti-CAA protests for the past week.