Citizenship Amendment Act protests Updates: Modi's assurance on NRC hollow, says Pinarayi Vijayan; Gujarat BJP to launch campaign to clear 'misconceptions'

Madras HC holds special sitting on plea seeking to ban protest tomorrow

The Madras High Court is holding a special sitting to hear a plea seeking to restrain DMK and its allies from holding a rally in Chennai tomorrow against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The Tamil Nadu government has told the court that it has rejected permission for the rally.

TM Krishna slams Centre on NRC

The classical vocalist has been critical of the Narendra Modi-led government in the past.

PM's assurance on NRC sounds hollow, says Pinarayi Vijayan

Doctors travelling to anti-CAA protest sites to give medical attention to protesters

'Don't let Modi, Shah divide India,' says Rahul Gandhi

48 arrested, 262 booked over violence in Muzaffarnagar

Marches for and against CAA-NRC held in several areas of Mumbai 

Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa writes to President seeking expansion of CAA to include Ahmadiyyas

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Partap Singh Bajwa has written to the President, urging him to have the ambit of new citizenship law expanded to include in it Ahmadiyya community too, facing persecution in Pakistan.

Karnataka govt announces Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia kin of 2 killed during protests in Mangaluru

"I have directed the Deputy Commissioner (of Dakshina Kannada district) to give Rs 10 lakh each to the two families. The amount will be paid to them today," PTI quoted Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa as saying, following his visit to Managluru.

The chief minister said he would order an inquiry into the incident after holding discussions with state Home Minister Basvaraj Bommai on the modalities of the probe. Yediyurappa said the inquiry would be apolitical.

AMU students, staff demand new V-C, registrar

Toll in Meerut violence rises to five

The death toll in the violence that occurred during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut two days ago rose to five, a senior police official said on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Mohsin, Aasif, Zahir, Aalim, all residents of Meerut, and Asif from Delhi, Inspector General Alok Singh said. During the protests on Friday, protesters had torched vehicles and pelted stones at police, who used lathi charge and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse mobs.

Thirty-five policemen were also injured in Friday's violence. They are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in the city, Singh said. Police have arrested 102 people in connection with the violence and efforts are on to nab the other suspects, he added.

Singh said internet services have been shut down for now and social media is being continuously monitored for inflammatory posts. To maintain law and order, peace committees have been constituted under police stations and local residents have also been roped in, he said.

Prohibitory order imposed for two months in Manipur's Imphal West district

The Manipur government has imposed a prohibitory order on Imphal West district for two months in view of the continued protests against the new citizenship law, an official said on Sunday.

The prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC was clamped on Imphal West on Saturday from 5.30 pm, said a statement issued by the office of District Magistrate Naorem Praveen. "Assembly of five or more persons which is likely to turn unlawful is prohibited," it said.

The order also stated that "carrying of sticks, stones, firearms without a valid licence, weapons or objects of any description" which can be used for offensive activities is not allowed. "There is a likelihood of serious breach of peace and disturbance to public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and properties in the entire district on account of unlawful activities of some anti-social elements," the order said.

TMC delegation 'detained' at Lucknow airport, says party MP

A four-member TMC delegation, which was scheduled to meet the grieving families of those killed in Uttar Pradesh during protests over the new citizenship law, was "detained" at Lucknow airport on Sunday afternoon, party sources claimed.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Md Nadimul Haque, who is part of the delegation, said he and other party memebers were staging a sit-in near a hanger at the airport. "We have been detained at Lucknow airport. As soon as we got down from the aircraft, we were surrounded by the police and were taken by the police to a secluded spot on the runway. We are staging a dharna near a hanger," Haque told PTI over phone from Lucknow.

The delegation, led by party's former MP Dinesh Trivedi also includes parliamentarian Pratima Mondal and Abir Biswas.

UP Deputy chief minister alleges 'outsiders' role in violence during anti-CAA protests

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Sunday alleged "outsiders' role" in the incidents of violence reported from various districts of the state where protests took place against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

He pointed out that six persons hailing from West Bengal's Malda district, associated with the PFI, had been arrested by the state police. Speaking to reporters, Sharma said, "There is involvement of Popular Front of India (PFI). They have connection with SIMI. Six persons from Malda have been arrested." Students Islamic Movement of India or SIMI is a banned terror outfit.

He added, "The state government is capable of handling the situation effectively to ensure peace. We have spoken to Muslim clerics."

"As many as 288 cops have sustained injuries, of which 62 are due to firearms. About 500 empty cartridges of prohibited bore (bullets) have been found. This indicates that the protestors were using illegal weapons."

Sharma also said that the arrested persons have to pay for the damage as per Supreme Court orders. So far, 705 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence.

People from NE hold protests at Jantar Mantar

People from the north-east gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday, claiming that the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) were given a Hindu-Muslim colour and the voices from the region fighting for the rights of indigenous people ignored.

The protesters, including students and civil society members, said they were deeply hurt and distressed by the police "brutality" on those against the CAA, but "our protest is about our rights".

"We will not let others hijack our agenda. We are here to speak about our people. You cannot always ask one to take more people," Tripura's royal scion Pradyot Deb Barman, who is also present there, said.

"We respect their protest. We sympathise with the students of Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University. It does not matter if you are a Hindu or a Muslim, the CAA is going to trigger a massive demographic change in the north-east," a protester said.

"I am sure if Muslims are included in the list of communities to be granted citizenship through CAA, they will not protest. But we will protest anyway," she added.

People who hold the tri-colour flag, raise your voice against Pakistan, urges Modi

Narendra Modi urged people who hold the "tri-color" to raise their voices against the violent protesters and call to bring peace. "I want to call upon the people who hold the tri-color to raise their voices against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism." he added.

Narendra Modi alleges Opposition of 'vote-bank politics'

Narendra Modi on Sunday alleged that the entire Left front, which is left in "small pockets in the country, is opposing this as well." He said "Prakash Karat, their senior leader, had also asked for support for religiously persecuted people coming from Bangladesh. 

"These people have always done vote-bank politics. Everything ever said by them was a lie," he alleged. He attacked Opposition for agitating people for "their votes, spreading violence, and are spreading false rumours."

Citizenship law, NRC have nothing to do with Indian Muslims, states Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused his rivals of stoking fears among people and misleading Muslims over the amended citizenship law, and asserted that his government's schemes have never done any discrimination on the basis of religion.

Addressing a rally at Ramlila Maidan here, he said the citizenship law and the proposed National Register of Citizens have nothing to do with Indian Muslims. A lie is being spread that this government had brought the law to snatch people's rights, the prime minister said and dared rivals to find anything discriminatory in his work.

Unable to challenge him in elections, Modi asserted, his rivals have resorted to dividing the country through rumours. Without naming the rival parties, he said people were incited by those in high positions, who shared fake videos.

Minorities are forced to convert in Pakistan alleges Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied all rumours about the Citizenship Amendment Act which state that the Act was for those Indians who are tortured in Pakistan and are forcibly converted there. "These people have come to India only due to such religious persecution," he said. 

Respond with love, says Rahul Gandhi claims Modi, Shah 'have destroyed future' 

Amid the ongoing fury over the Citizenship Amendment Act, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and said, "Dear youth of India, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have destroyed your future. We can only defeat them by responding with love towards every Indian."

Never asked anyone their religion when implementing schemes, says Narendra Modi 

Narendra Modi slammed Opposition parties over Citizenship Amendment Act on Sunday. "I challenge the Opposition to inspect my work. We benefited the poor through Ujjwala Yojna." he said. He further asked Opposition parties if he ever asked their faiths. "I want to ask the opposition, why are you misleading people," he questioned.  

"Did we ask you your faith. Did we ask any evidence. Every faith got benefits from the government. We are dedicated to the mantra of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas''", he said. He also stated that: "We have never asked anyone if he goes to temple or mosque when it comes to implementing our schemes."

He further questioned Opposition parties saying, "I want to ask them, when we authroised the unauthrosied colonies, did we ask anyone their religion? Did we ask which political party they support? Did we ask for documents from 1970,1980?".

Hail the Parliament for passing CAA, says Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi finally broke his silence on the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Sunday during the mega-rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maida. He asked the people present at the rally to "hail Parliament for passing the act". He further stated that CAA will help the marginalised and asked the country to stand up and "show your respect to the lawmakers."

He slammed 'some parties' of spreading lies and fake information about the act. He said that the government was not stripping anyone of its rights. 

Curfew lifted in Karnataka's Mangaluru

Curfew clamped in Mangaluru in the aftermath of the violent protests against the Citizenhip Amendment Act on December 19 was lifted on Sunday for 12
hours, as no untoward incident was reported from the city.

Two people were killed in police firing on Thursday as protests against the CAA turned violent. Police said the curfew was lifted from 6 am to 6 pm on Sunday to enable people purchase essential commodities.

No untoward incident has been reported in the city so far, they said. The mobile internet data, which was suspended on Thursday night after the police firing that claimed two lives, was restored Saturday night, police said.

The suspension of internet helped bring down the intensity of the protest and creating any further disturbance in the district as it checked the spread of rumours and fake news, they said.

Kerala chief minister, Opposition leader draw Union Minister's ire

Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V​ Muraleedharan on Sunday lashed out at Kerala Chief Minister​ Pinarayi Vijayan and state opposition Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala for protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment)Act (CAA) and said taking the protest to the streets is the 'trait of anarchists.'

The arch-political rivals in Kerala Vijayan and​ Chennithala from the Left and the Congress parties respectively had recently organised a joint protest against the CAA. During the protest, they attacked the BJP-led NDA, RSS and the Sangh Parivar by alleging that the amendment was brought in as part of their agenda to divide people and create a religious state.

"If the Kerala Chief Minister has some difference of opinion against the law passed and signed by the President, there are certain manners in which he can express it. But taking the protest to the streets is the trait of anarchists,"​ Muraleedharan said.

When those who hold constitutional posts itself try to become anarchists who shall the people approach for law and order, he asked.

'We have housed 40 lakh people': Narendra Modi on Delhi's' unauthorised colonies

Narendra Modi laid stress on the fact that India's strength is in its diversity. He stated that the BJP government housed over 40 lakh people in Delhi colonies. "Over 1700 colonies have been demarcated." he said.

In a statement, senior BJP leader Vijay Goel said preparations for the 'dhanyawad rally', which is being organised to thank Modi for giving ownership rights to 40 lakh residents of 1,731 unauthorised colonies, are in full swing. A total of 11 lakh signatures by residents of unauthorised colonies will be handed over to the prime minister as a thank you gesture, he said.

The BJP has majorly focused on unauthorised colonies in this rally because this will become a big issue in upcoming Delhi elections. A tableau of unauthorised colony has been installed too.

Narendra Modi begins addressing mega rally in Delhi

Narendra Modi ​kicks off the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections by addressing a mega rally at Ramlila Maidan by raising slogan of 'vividhta me ekta, Bharat ki visheshta' (Unity in diversity is India's speciality) on Sunday. 

Akhilesh Yadav claims economy 'virtually destroyed', CAA brought in to divert attention

Meanwhile, on the other side,  ​Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the ruling BJP on Sunday, alleging that the new citizenship law has been brought in to "divert the attention" from the "virtually destroyed" economy and rising unemployment.

Addressing a press conference here, Yadav said people were made to stand in line to withdraw cash during the demonetisation exercise and now they will have to stand in queue for their rights due to National Register of Citizens.

"The economy is in dire straits, has been virtually destroyed, unemployment is at an all-time high. To divert the attention from these issues, CAA was enacted," he told reporters.

Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh can go to Islamic countries, says Nitin Gadkari at rally 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said here on Sunday that Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have the option to go to as many as 150 Islamic countries in the world while persecuted minorities in three neighbouring countries have nowhere to go except India to take recluse. He was addressing a rally in support of Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 here in Nagpur on Sunday.

"The Muslims who come from these three countries are not called refugees while the Hindus, Jain, Parsis, Sikh, Christians etc are called refugees," said Nitin Gadkari.

"There are 100 to 150 countries that are Islamic if Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh want to leave their country they can go to as many as 150 countries. But the Hindus, Sikhs, Jain, Parsi, Christian have nowhere to go except India," said Nitin Gadkari.

He said that Hindus and other religious minorities have to face persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afganistan and have nowhere to go except India. 
"Where they will go except India?" said Gadkari. "They are faced with numerous atrocities, murder, rapes and loot of their property. There are forceful conversions," he added.

People march in South Delhi in support of Jamia students, those facing police action

Scores of people took out a march in South Delhi on Sunday in support of Jamia Millia Islamia students and those facing police action for violent protest against the new citizenship law.

Holding placards, people shouted 'Inquilab Zindabad' and demanded scrapping of the contentious law during the march in Alaknanda area. A group of Jamia students also participated in the protest.

One of the placards read 'Hum kagaz nahi dikhayenge (We will not show documents), reject CAA, NRC', and another said, 'I stand with Jamia'.

The national capital has been witnessing a number of protests, some of them violent, against the law for a week. On Friday, angry protesters set a car on fire, damaged several vehicles and resorted to stone-pelting near Delhi Gate after police  baton-charged them and used water cannon to disperse the crowd.

CAA, NRC India's internal issues, but 'worrisome' that uncertainty could affect neighbours, says Bangladesh FM

The CAA and the NRC are India's "internal issues", Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen has said, but voiced concern that any "uncertainty" in the country is likely to affect its neighbours. Amid raging protests over the controversial citizenship law across India, Momen hoped that the situation "cools down" and the neighbouring country "can get out of it".

"The CAB (now Citizenship Amendment Act) and the NRC (National Register of Citizens) are internal issues of India. Indian government assured us again and again that these are their domestic issues, they are doing it because of legal and other reasons," Momen told PTI here when asked about the CAA and the protests against it, especially in the northeastern states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while talking to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had assured that under no circumstances it will affect Bangladesh, Momen said. The minister asserted that his country trusts India.

Thousands gather at Ramilila Maidan in Delhi for Modi's rally

Thousands of people have gathered at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi for Narendra Modi's mega rally that marks the beginning of BJP's campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections.Modi is expected to bring up the CAA issue in his speech, given the widespread protests against the amended Citizenship Act across the capital and the country.

According to Times of India, BJP has claimed that an estimated two lakh attendees from across the north India are coming to the event aboard 3,000 buses

List of 17 UP cities where internet has been shut down 

Here is the list of 17 cities in Uttar Pradesh where internet services have been shutdown according to India Today reports.

• Sambhal: internet services shutdown
• Meerut: internet services shutdown
• Lucknow: internet services shutdown till tomorrow (23 December)
• Deoband: internet services shutdown
• Azamgarh: internet services shutdown
• Agra: internet services shutdown
• Bijnor: internet services shutdown
• Saharanpur: internet services shutdown
• Gorakhpur: internet services shutdown
• Firozabad: internet services shutdown till 8 pm today
• Muzaffarnagar: internet services shutdown
• Kasganj: internet services shutdown
• Bulandshahr: internet services shutdown
• Kanpur: internet services shutdown
• Moradabad: internet services shutdown
• Varanasi: Internet service partially restored in Varanasi
• Prayagraj: internet services shutdown

879 arrested, 5000 'bound down', 135 cases registered, 15 dead, claims UP DGP OP Singh

As many as 879 people have been arrested while 5000 were 'bound down' as a preventive measure in Uttar Pradesh, in the wake of the violent protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Act and proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). "Adequate police arrangements have been made in all districts in the wake of protests. Police, Paramilitary, Rapid Action Force (RAF), PAC, Quick Reaction Team (QRTs) are patrolling the areas," said OP Singh, Director General of Police (DGP), UP.

"Till now, 879 people have been arrested under substantive offences while 5000 persons who may instigate violence or vitiate atmosphere are bound down on the basis of suspicion," he added. "A total of 135 criminal cases have been registered against the miscreants. Fifteen people have died while 288 police personnel are injured," said the top cop.

He said that police officials and civil administration are reaching out to community members and their leaders, requesting them to cooperate in maintaining law and order. "Intelligence machinery is geared up and officials are reaching to community members requesting them to cooperate in marinating law and order," he said.

Singh also said that damage to public property is being assessed and soon action would be taken against those involved, including confiscation of their properties to compensate for the losses.
 

Curfew lifted in Shillong

Curfew was on Sunday morning lifted in Shillong, as no report of violence or arson over the amended citizenship Act was reported from any part of the city, officials said.

Curfew was imposed on areas under Sadar and​ Lumdiengjri police stations in the city since 12 December as anti-citizenship law protests turned violent, leaving several injured and properties vandalised.

Over the past few days, prohibitory orders were elaxed during the day, but night curfew was still in force to avoid breakdown of law and order. East Khasi Hills district magistrate MW Nongbri said the curfew was completely lifted from 4 am on Sunday.

Mobile Internet and messaging services, which were withdrawn as a precautionary measure to prevent circulation of fake news, were also restored on Friday night.

-PTI

UP Police denies permission for TMC leaders' Lucknow visit

Uttar Pradesh's DGP, OP Singh on Sunday denied permission to a four members delegation of All India Trinamool Congress from visiting Lucknow today. He told ANI, "We have come to know that some political leaders of TMC want to visit here (Lucknow). We will not permit them for the same as section 144 is imposed in the area and it can make the atmosphere more tense."

A four-member delegation of All India Trinamool Congress was expected to be visiting Lucknow on Sunday to meet the grieving families of those who were killed in police firing. The delegation which is expected to reach Lucknow on 22 December would be led by Dinesh Trivedi.

The other members include MPs, Pratima Mondal, Md Nadimul Haque and Abir Biswas. "Our delegation is going to Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) on a humanitarian mission to be with the grieving families of those killed and also meet those injured in the incidents," read the statement.

FIR filed against Congress leader UT Khader in Mangaluru

An FIR has been filed against Congress leader UT Khader at Pandeshwar police station in Mangaluru on the complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha leader Sandesh Kumar who alleged that Khader delivered a provocative speech that incited violence at a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act on 18 December.

On 17 December, the Congress MLA Khader warned Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa over implementing CAA in the state and had said, "Country is in flames but Karnataka is an island of peace. I am warning Karnataka Chief Minister that if you implement Citizenship Act here then I swear Karnataka will be blown up into cinders."

On 20 December chief minister BS Yediyurappa held a meeting with senior police officers to discuss the law and order situation in the state.

-ANI

BJP, Jamait ulema-e-Hind to take out rallies Kolkata

The situation in West Bengal was peaceful on Sunday morning, with no incidents of violence reported from any part of the state, police said. According to sources, police administration has increased vigil and beefed-up arrangements in trouble-torn areas to maintain law and order.

The Bengal unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind is scheduled to take out a rally from Rani Rashmomi road in the afternoon. Police have increased stepped up security to avoid any untoward incident.

The state BJP unit is also set to conduct rallies and marches in various parts of the state in support of the citizenship law.

JDU demands NDA meet over proposed countrywide NRC

Janata Dal-United (JD-U) on Saturday called upon its ally BJP to convene a meeting of ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the proposal to have a countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Speaking to ANI, JDU spokesperson KC Tyagi said that several NDA parties have expressed their views against the NRC. "If a meeting of the NDA is called, the JD-U will welcome it. Given the conditions in the nation (over the anti-CAA protests), the meeting is very important," Tyagi said.

He said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has made it clear that it will not be implemented in the state. "We are against NRC," he said. Another BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party has asked the government to reach out to people to allay fears over the NRC.

Asaduddin Owaisi reads out Preamble during Saturday's mass rally 

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on late Saturday night appealed to all Indians, who are against NRC and CAA to hoist the national flag on their homes from Sunday which will send out a message against the “fascist forces” and that it is the house of someone who loved his country.

Reading out the Preamble of the Constitution, he made the participants repeat it and asked them to not resort to any kind of violence. The meeting, attended by thousands of people, began with the national anthem and concluded with Owasi's speech after midnight.

A number of speakers, including students Aysha Renna and Labeeda Farzana, who are being described as the face of anti-CAA protests, and Aman Wadud, a human rights lawyer from Assam, spoke at the meeting.

The fight against CAA and NRC would be a long-drawn campaign as “Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are not routine politicians”, he said. The campaign against them can succeed only through political and democratic activity, he said.

The fight is not over with just one meeting and the same momentum has to be kept alive for at least six-seven months, he felt. He stressed on ensuring that the agitation remains non-violent for it to achieve its goal.

Section 144 lifted from Bengaluru; pro-CAA rally begins from Town Hall

Amid protests across India against the amended Citizenship Act, a group of social activists and citizens on Sunday organised a pro-CAA rally in Bengaluru after prohibitory orders have been lifted. The rally, “India Supports CAA”, will take place in Sir Puttana Chetty Town Hall from 10 am, organisers said.

Foreign tourists anxious, Indians prefer overseas destinations amid Citizenship law stir

As protests against the amended Citizenship Act continue to rage in parts of the country, tourism industry has taken a hit this holiday season, with several nations deeming India as an unsafe travel destination.

Stakeholders of the country's tourism industry maintained that many domestic tourists were also looking to spend their winter vacations abroad, in view of the law-and-order situation. "We have been getting apprehensive calls from overseas tourists who wanted to know about the ground situation in the country, having read media reports. There had been no major cancellations or rescheduling as of now," Jyoti Mayal, the president of Travel Agents Association of India, told PTI.

If the unrest continues, however, cancellations are bound to happen, she claimed. Over the past few days, countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, UAE and Australia among others have issued advisories, asking travellers to India, especially to the northeast, to be on guard or reconsider plans.

The industry, which had not seen a significant rise in the number of visitors earlier this year, is skeptical that the ongoing protests would hit harder. According to data, foreign tourist footfall in the first half (H1) of 2019 showed a marginal growth at 52.66 lakh, 2.2 per cent more than the corresponding period in 2018.

Government forex earning (fees) grew by 3.3 percent to USD 14.11 billion in H1, 2019, when compared to the same period in 2018.

Gurugram traffic police issues advisory on Sirhol toll  

Gurugram police on Saturday had put out a traffic advisory stating that restrictions will be imposed on NH48 on Sirhol toll and Kapashera from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday.

Internet services suspended in Prayagraj, Lucknow

Internet services have been suspended in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj district till midnight tomorrow, ANI reported. This comes shortly after internet services were resumed in Aligarh, which saw a shutdown since 15 December, following violent protests against the amended Citizenship Act.

Meanwhile, internet services will remain suspended in Lucknow till Monday. Internet services in the city were suspended on Thursday night

Hyderabad Police Commissioner says city is home to 'all who have come here'

Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar on Saturday had suspended two police constables on charges of "involving in improper" conduct on social media after one of them allegedly made "vulgar" comments against "two" women participants attending the protest-meeting at AIMIM's headquarters.

He further took to microblogging site Twitter to ask citizens to march ahead of other cities and expressed how the city has been a comfortable home for "all who have come here." In a tweet he said that Hyderabad was the only place which brings together 'all faith, all culture, all religion.' He added, "This is the strength and this is the beauty of Hyderabad."

CAA concerns all Indians, not just Muslims, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi

The fight against the new citizenship law is "not just the issue of Muslims" but concerns all Indians and there should be a sustained struggle against the legislation, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has claimed.

"Why should I stand in queue and tell that I am an Indian? I have been born in this land. I am a citizen (of India). All 100 crore Indians have to stand in queue (to submit proof of citizenship). This is not just the issue of Muslims but an issue concerning all Indians. I am telling 'Modi-bhakts' also. You also have to stand in queue and bring documents," the Hyderabad MP said late Saturday night.

At a meeting organised by the United Muslim Action Committee, an umbrella body of various Muslim groups at Darussalam, the headquarters of AIMIM in the city, Owaisi asserted that Indian Muslims had chosen to remain India at the time of partition by rejecting "Jinnah's two-nation theory".

Claiming that BJP cited the existence of many Islamic nations, he asked what does he have to do with them. "I am concerned about India and only India and my love is only with India. (You say) so many Islamic countries! You go there. Why are you telling me," he said.

Tight security for Narendra Modi's rally today; CCTV on all routes leading to venue, snipers atop buildings

laborate security arrangements have been made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally on Sunday at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, which is a little over a kilometre away from Old Delhi's Daryaganj that was hit by violence on Friday during the protest against the amended Citizenship Act.

According to a senior police official, 20 companies of outside force will be deployed. Each company has 70-80 personnel. "Twenty DCP rank officials will be there. As many as 1,000 personnel from local police, anti-drone teams and NSG commandos will be there. The entire area around the venue will be sanitised," the official said.

Area sanitisation means that the movement of locals will be restricted, shops will be closed and security personnel will be deployed. Apart from this, traffic police personnel will also be deployed along the route to be taken by the prime minister, the official said.

Recap: CAA guarantees security to each citizen of country, says Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the amended Citizenship Act guarantees security to each citizen of the country. He also appealed to religious leaders and influential people to come forward and discharge their responsibilities in the wake of the violent protests over the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

"The Citizenship Act ensures guarantee of security to each Indian citizen," Adityanath said in a statement. He said people should not to take law in their hands and not be misguided by anyone. The chief minister also said, "injustice has not been done to anyone in this government".

Internet services remain affected across Uttar Pradesh

Internet services to remain suspended in Meerut till 5 pm on Sunday in view of the recent violence in state during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Internet services have also been suspended in Prayagraj district till Monday, reports ANI.

Internet services restored in Aligarh 

According to ANI, internet services have been restored in Aligarh. Services were suspended from 15 December after violence broke out during protests over Citizenship Amendment Act.

Internet services remain suspended in Jaipur

Internet services will remain suspended in the Rajasthan capital from 6 am to 8 pm on Sunday in wake of protest being staged by a community against the Citizen Amendment Act and the protest march being taken out by the ruling Congress, to be led by chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

Police commissioner Anand Shrivastav, in a letter to the Divisional Commissioner, said that the above measure is being taken as a part of security measures being taken to maintain peace and harmony in Jaipur.

Metro services are also to be shut from 8 am to 2 pm on Sunday in light of the protests. 

65 arrested, 350 booked for violence over CAA in Ghaziabad

Sixty-five people were arrested and 350, including a former legislator, booked here for allegedly spreading violence over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), police said on Saturday. A special drive has been launched to nab miscreants resorting to violence and pelting stones on police during protests, they said.

More than 65 people have been arrested and FIRs registered against 350 anti-social elements, Senior Superintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar Singh told PTI.  An FIR has been also lodged against former Loni MLA Zakir Ali, he added. Singh said miscreants have been identified and will be arrested soon.

Narendra Modi to address rally in Delhi amid CAA protests

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally on Sunday at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, which is a little over a kilometre away from Old Delhi's Daryaganj that was hit by violence on Friday during a protest against the amended Citizenship Act.

According to sources, senior officials remained in huddle till 5 am on Saturday to discuss the security arrangements. A multilevel security arrangement will be in place on Sunday, with CCTV surveillance of all the routes leading to the venue and snipers being positioned atop buildings to ensure security, they said.

The Delhi Police are in touch with the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the Bharatiya Janata Party for the security arrangements during the programme. The Delhi BJP has also deployed volunteers as part of its security arrangements for the rally.

In a statement, senior BJP leader Vijay Goel said preparations for the rally, which is being organised to thank PM Modi for giving ownership rights to 40 lakh residents of 1731 unauthorised colonies, are in full swing.

Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in silent protest against CAA at Rajghat tomorrow

Amid nationwide agitations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the Congress, led by party chief Sonia Gandhi, has decided to stage a silent protest at Rajghat on Monday afternoon demanding protection for the Constitution and the rights of people as enshrined in it.

The decision to hold the silent protest was taken at a meeting of top party leaders at Sonia Gandhi's residence here on Saturday evening, sources said.

The leaders initially decided to hold the protest at Rajghat -- a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi -- on Sunday but later postponed it to Monday as permissions for the same were yet to be obtained from the authorities, the sources added.

Jamia submits report to HRD Ministry, requests judicial enquiry into police action

The Jamia Millia Islamia has submitted a fresh report to the HRD Ministry requesting judicial inquiry into the entry of police on the university premises last Sunday. The varsity had earlier submitted reports in the matter on 15 and 16 December.

In the fresh report submitted to the ministry on December 20, Jamia reiterated its request for initiation of an inquiry committee or a judicial inquiry to the incident.  In its report, the varsity mentioned that police used teargas and lathicharge to disperse protesters gathered on Mathura Road and Julena Road. 

The protesters while retreating took Maulana Mohd. Ali Jauhar Marg, which passes through the university campus, the varsity said in its report submitted by the registrar of  Jamia. 

The police had on 15 December purportedly stormed the library while looking for 'outsiders' who were involved in the arson and violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest outside the campus. 

Recap: One dead in UP as violence erupts in Rampur, Kanpur; tolls climbs to 16

One person died as clashes broke out during protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, taking the toll in the state from Thursday to 16. 

One person died and several people were injured in clashes between anti-CAA protesters, who pelted stones and indulged in arson, and police in Rampur in UP, officials said. Protesters set ablaze Yatimkhana police post in Kanpur and indulged in heavy brick-batting, leading to injuries to many people including policemen, a senior official said. Police used cane-charge and tear gas to chase them away.

Police reached out to people in several areas as part of confidence-building measure

As Delhi witnessed a number of violent protests against the amended Citizenship Act in the recent days, the Delhi Police on Saturday launched an exercise to reach out to more people in several areas as part of its confidence-building measures.

According to an official, groups of police personnel went to Seemapuri, Geeta Colony, Jagatpuri, Krishna Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and other places and thanked people for maintaining peace in these areas.

In a video of such exercise held in East Delhi's Geeta Colony, a police official was seen thanking people on a mic standing in a busy street. "Delhi Police thanks all the residents of the Geeta Colony police station area for maintaining peace. We are thankful to you for cooperating with us," the official said.

"We appeal to the residents to maintain peace and solidarity in the future as well. We are assured of it that the people of Geeta Colony will remain helpful and assist us in such law and order situation. We thankyou again for your cooperation," he added. Police said that such exercise will be conducted in more areas in the coming days.