Citizenship Amendment Act protests Updates: Police not letting lawyers inside Dariyaganj station, claims lawyer; 40 detained after demonstration turns violent

Shashi Tharoor slams I&B ministry for advisory to TV channels

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday criticised Information and Broadcasting minister Piyush Goyal for the ministry’s advisory to TV channels against airing content that could be likely to “instigate violence”, as the country has been seeing nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Dear ⁦@PrakashJavdekar⁩, could you please remind your officials of Art.19 of theConstitution? Last time I checked we were still a democracy. Indians still enjoy freedom of expression. SupremeCourt interpretations of Art 19 still stand. Showing democracy in action is lawful. pic.twitter.com/LEkxT9TLlx

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 20, 2019

Lawyers appeal for permission to enter Daryaganj police station

After violence broke out after an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest in Delhi’s Daryaganj on Friday evening, which led to police resorting to using lathicharge and water cannons on the crowd. At least 40 people, including minors, have been detained in the Daryaganj police station, and lawyers are not being allowed to enter the premises, reports said.

While citizens in the National Capital are working to assemble resources for the detainees, lawyers who have assembled outside the police station appealed to the personnel to allow them to enter and gauge the condition of the detainees, of whom several are reportedly badly injured.

“Is the DCP inside or not? We have one request, let one woman (lawyer) and man (lawyer) come inside, if there is no detainee inside, all the lawyers here will leave the police station peacefully," said a lawyer in the video shared by blogger Shafali, who goes by the handle ‘ That Woke Ladki’ on Instagram.

“This is not a big request, why are you having a problem with us just coming inside to see for ourselves," another lawyer said.

Shafali, who runs the That Woke Ladki account, is a 21-year-old blogger who describes herself as an activist, educator, and feminist.

Protests will continue till ‘black law’ is not withdrawan: Chandra Shekhar Azad

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who was present at the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Delhi’s Jama Masjid, said, “Till this black law is not withdrawn, the protest will continue.”

Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad at Delhi's Jama Masjid: Till the time,this black law is not withdrawn, the protest will continue. Since afternoon, the protest has been going on peacefully. People from the administration had entered Jama Masjid&lathi-charged people in the day. https://t.co/n8BcEb89cX pic.twitter.com/6rVrd2VcBJ

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Police not allowing advocates inside Dariyaganj police station, says lawyer

Advocate Ali Zia Kabir Choudhary, who has been to the Dariyaganj Police Station, informed Firstpost that the police isn’t letting advocates inside the police station.

“Police isn’t letting advocates in. The detained can number anywhere from 20 to 40,” Choudhary told Firstpost.

According to reports, around 42 protesters have been detained at the station after the protests against Citizenship Amendment Act turned violent.

Choudhary also said that when he asked them if there are minors or women inside, the police didn’t respond.

Earlier, citizens had urged lawyers, doctors, journalists to aid those injured during the violence at Delhi Gate in Daryaganj.

Chandra Shekhar Aazad present at Jama Masjid protest

Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad is present at the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act at Delhi’s Jama Masjid. Earlier today, police had tried to detain him, during protest at Jama Masjid against the contentious law but he was taken out of the spot by his supporters.

Delhi: Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad present at Jama Masjid. Earlier today, police had tried to detain him, during protest at Jama Masjid against #CitizenshipAmendmentAct but he was taken out of the spot by his supporters. pic.twitter.com/2Q94RZt39q

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Students’ collective says 42 minors detained inside Daryaganj police starion

The students’ collective, Pinjra Tod, on Friday evening tweeted that lawyers weren’t being allowed access to the protesters detained in the Daryaganj police station after violence erupted during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest in the area in the National Capital.

“We have information that 42 minors have been detained inside PS Daryaganj with no access to any legal representation and no permission being provided for parents of minors to meet them. Lawyers aren’t being allowed access!” the collective tweeted.

Further DCP Mandeep Singh was present at the PS and categorically denied entry to any lawyer or family member of those detained.

— Pinjra Tod (@PinjraTod) December 20, 2019

Bijnor worst hit as violence erupts in Uttar Pradesh

Violence hit the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, with Bijnor the worst hit, reports said.

UP West burns as #CAA_NRC_Protests turn violent. Meerut, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor worst hit pic.twitter.com/U6swHGQZzZ

— Sandeep Rai (@RaiSandeepTOI) December 20, 2019

Citizens call for lawyers, doctors, journalists to aid injured at Delhi Gate in Daryaganj

Several protesters faced police action at Daryaganj in Delhi on Friday evening, during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest. Reportedly, police resorted to water cannons and lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

URGENT: People near Delhi Gate, please head there with basic medical supplies !
Lawyers, journalists, doctors: You are needed more than ever. Please, please try to reach the area ASAP, if you can. We have to put in our all rn.
Send a DM if you need more info !

— Radhika Roy (@royradhika7) December 20, 2019

40 people detained in connection with violence in Delhi’s Daryaganj

Around 40 people have been detained in connection with the violence that erupted during anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in Delhi’s Daryaganj on Friday evening. “Around 40 persons have been detained. Strict legal action will be taken against those who have been found involved in the violence and arson.” Delhi Police was quoted as saying by The Quint.

“The protesters heeded to police advice and dispersed from Jama Masjid but assembled during dispersal at Delhi Gate. They were constantly persuaded to disperse from there and in spite of provocation from the crowd, police maintained utmost restraint and used a persuasive approach,” the statement added.

First-person account of violence at Delhi’s Daryaganj

I was covering the protests organised today at Jama Masjid. The protest ended peacefully at around 5 and people assembled started to disperse. As I was making my way out, a group came towards Delhi Gate, raising slogans. The Delhi Police tried to disperse this group using water canoes. Agitated protesters stayed put, with a few trying to cross the barricades positioned at the entrance of Delhi Gate. Following this, the Delhi Police started a lathicharge. Protesters ran helter-skelter. Some of them set a car on fire opposite the Office of the DCP, Central District. The lathicharge got worse after this. The Delhi Police hit everybody they saw. They entered into the smaller gullies and randomly started attacking passer bys. As I was taking photographs, the Police took away my camera as well. Only after I told them that i am covering the protests did they return my camera to me. Scared, I left Dariyagunj after this.

Priyanka Gandhi joins India Gate protest

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi joined the protests at India Gate on Friday evening. “We are witnessing protests across the country. This law is against the poor. Like demonetization, people will now have to stand in lines. The rich will show their passports. what will the poor show? Most have no documents with them,” she said.

“The Citizenship Act and NRC are against the poor. The poor they will be most affected by it. What will the daily wage labourers do? Demonstrations should be held peacefully,” she added.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at a protest, at India Gate, Delhi: #CitizenshipAct & NRC are against the poor. The poor they will be most affected by it. What will the daily wage labourers do?; Demonstrations should be held peacefully. pic.twitter.com/icuqghggTc

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Delhi Police says water cannons were used on Jama Masjid protestors

Delhi Police PRO, MS Randhawa on the anti Citizenship Amendment Act protest at Jama Masjid in the National Capital said, “Protest going on since morning was peaceful. Around 6.30 pm, some outsiders came here&started pelting stones. We used water cannon. People were pushed back. Some policemen received injuries. Some people have been detained.”

I&B ministry issues advisory to TV channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday evening issued an advisory to all TV channels in view of the nationwide protests against the Citizenship Ammendment Act. The notice advised channels against airing content that is likely to instigate violence.

The advisory comes after News18 India had reported earlier on Friday that the state adminsitration had directed TV channels to stop telecasting in Agra.

Ministry of I&B advisory to all TV channels. #CitizenshipAmmendmentAct #CAAProtest pic.twitter.com/gLWDHB5VAT

— Poonam Agarwal (@poonamjourno) December 20, 2019

Indians don’t need to prove ancestry by documents dating to pre-1971, says MHA

Amid nationwide, sustained protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act since the Parliament passed the bill on 12 December, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday said that “no Indian citizen will be unduly harassed or put to inconvenience” under the contentious law.

“Citizenship of India may be proved by giving any document relating to date of birth or place of birth or both. Such a list is likely to include a lot of common documents to ensure that no Indian citizen is unduly harassed or put to inconvenience,” MHA wrote in a long thread on Twitter.

“Indian citizens do not have to prove any ancestry by presenting documents like identity cards, birth certificates etc of parents/grand parents dating back to pre-1971 situation.”

Illiterate citizens, who may not have any documents, authorities may allow them to produce witnesses or local proofs supported by members of community. A well laid out procedure will be followed.#CAA2019

12/n

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) December 20, 2019

Ghaziabad DM says internet services to remain suspended till 10 am tomorrow

The Ghaziabad district magistrate was quoted by ANI as saying that internet services will remain suspended in the Uttar Pradesh district till 10 am on Saturday. All schools to stay closed.

District Magistrate of Ghaziabad: Internet services to remain suspended till 10 am tomorrow. All schools to stay closed.

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) December 20, 2019

All Delhi Metro stations except three opened

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Friday evening said that the entry and exit gates at all stations, except Jama Masjid, Jaffrabad, and Maujpur-Babarpur have been opened. Earlier, at least 17 stations had been shut in a bid to curb the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in the National Capital.

Protesters suffer ‘serious injuries’ after police action in Daryaganj

“Police have brutally lathi charged, water cannoned on peaceful protestors at Delhi Gate. Many have suffered serious injuries and police clampdown is continuing. This is an urgent appeal for legal and medical help for the people injured and trapped there,” Pinjra Tod tweeted on Friday, after the protests at Delhi’s Daryaganj saw police action.

Police have brutally lathi charged, water cannoned on peaceful protestors at Delhi Gate. Many have suffered serious injuries and police clampdown is continuing. This is an urgent appeal for legal and medical help for the people injured and trapped there.

— Pinjra Tod (@PinjraTod) December 20, 2019

Anyone born in India before 1987 or whose parents were born before 1987 are bona fide Indian citizens: Centre

Anyone born in India before 1987 or whose parents were born before 1987 are bona fide Indian citizens according to law and need not worry due to the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) or a possible countrywide NRC, a top government official said on Friday.

According to the 2004 amendments of the Citizenship Act, people of the country, barring those in Assam, whose one parent is an Indian and neither is an illegal immigrant are also considered Indian citizens.

The clarification came amid the protests against the CAA and the several versions being circulated on social media about the recently enacted law.

Those who are born in India before 1987 or whose parents were born in the country before that year are considered Indians under naturalisation as per the law, the official said.

(PTI)

Children severely injured in police action at Delhi’s Daryaganj

A collective of activists in Delhi on Friday reported that children had also been “severely” injured at the protests in Delhi’s Daryaganj when Delhi Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse a large group of protestors in the area.

Six dead in anti-CAA protests in UP, says NDTV

Six people died in the violence that accompanied the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act across Uttar Pradesh on Friday, NDTV reported , quoting state police officials. Deaths occured in Bijnor, Sambhal, Firozabad, Meerut, and Kanpur.

All injured and dead in Uttar Pradesh had gun shots: TOI reports

The Times of India on Friday quoted a medical officer of the LLRM Medical College saying that all injured and dead had gun shots injuries. “One dead from Muzaffarnagar, Noor Mohammad (25), got a gun shot in his head,” the report quoted Dr Harshvardhan Rajput as saying.

Chandra Shekhar Aazad tweets from Jama Masjid protests, says ‘won’t allow govt to kill Constitution’

Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad tweeted from the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act at Jama Masjid in Delhi and said, “I am sitting here on the stairs of Jama Masjid to tell the Modi government that will not let you kill the Constitution. This country is ours and we will fight till the end to save it.”

Earlier on Friday, he was detained by Delhi Police, but he gave the personnel a slip to continue the protest.

मैं यहाँ जामा मस्जिद की सीढ़ियों पर मोदी सरकार को यह बताने के लिए बैठा हूँ कि मोदी जी हम आपको संविधान की हत्या नही करने देंगे। यह देश हमारा है और इसको बचाने की लड़ाई हम आखिरी दम तक लड़ेंगे।

— Chandra Shekhar Aazad (@BhimArmyChief) December 20, 2019

Two dead in anti-CAA in UP’s Meerut, says report

Two people were shot dead during anti-Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC protests in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut, The Times of India reported on Friday evening.

On Friday afternoon, the district saw violence during protests, with heavy stone pelting in the Lisari Gate area, the report said. The report also said that there was an incident of arson followed by lathi charge in the district.

Nearly 500 people gather to protest in Bengaluru

“As darkness descends, students continue their protest” against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, with slogans and placards to register their protest against the contentious legislation, The Quint reported.

As darkness descends, students continue their protest against #CAA_NRC in #Bengaluru, raising slogans, singing and holding placards to register their protest against #CitizenshipAmmendmentAct. Nearly 500 people gathered to cry shame at the state of affairs @TheQuint #Section144 pic.twitter.com/H03GaDYafH

— Arpita Raj (@arpitaraj92) December 20, 2019

Protests continue outside Jama Masjid, Connaught Place in Delhi

Protesters demonstrated against the Citizenship Amendment Act in the Jama Masjid area of Delhi all through Friday, even as protests in areas like Daryaganj turned violent.

A protest was also held at Connaught Place in the National Capital.

#WATCH Protest continues outside Delhi's Jama Masjid against #CitizenshipAmendmentAct. pic.twitter.com/i9xvjoZAFb

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Delhi: People hold demonstration at Central Park in Connaught Place in support of #CitizenshipAmendmentAct pic.twitter.com/DstH3t1Dh4

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Sonia Gandhi issues video statement on anti-CAA protests, says Congress ‘committed’ to protect democracy

“In a democracy people have the right to raise their voice against wrong decisions and policies of the govt and register their concerns… BJP government has shown utter disregard for people’s voices and chosen to use brute force to suppress dissent,” Congress president Sonia Gandhi said.

In a democracy people have the right to raise their voice against wrong decisions & policies of the govt & register their concerns… BJP govt has shown utter disregard for people’s voices & chosen to use brute force to suppress dissent: CP Smt. Sonia Gandhi #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/5AKOpn76Dx

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 20, 2019

Anti-CAA protest at India Gate in Delhi

Several areas of the National Capital saw protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act on Friday. In the evening, protesters gathered at the India Gate.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police said that though a large number of protesters gathered in areas of Seelampur and Loha Pul on Friday evening, the situation was peaceful.

Delhi: Protest being held at India Gate against #CitizenshipAmendmentAct2019 pic.twitter.com/vKuA9LcuhQ

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Car torched in Daryaganj, police use water cannons on protesters 

As thousands of protesters have hit the streets in Delhi to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act on Friday evening, a car that was reportedly parked in front of the DCP’s office was torched in the Daryaganj area of the National Capital, while Delhi Police used water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Protesters also gathered at India Gate on Friday evening.

Delhi: Police uses water cannon on protesters in Daryaganj. #CitizenshipAct pic.twitter.com/bjaVhjGaT7

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Delhi: Car torched in Daryaganj during protest over #CitizenshipAct pic.twitter.com/2o4tkDXZO6

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Uddhav Thackeray says no citizens in Maharashtra should fear eviction

Against the backdrop of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that no citizen of the state should fear eviction. Peace should be maintained in the state, he said in the Legislative Assembly in Nagpur.

The state has witnessed sporadic violence in the last two days over CAA and proposed National Register of Citizens. “The state government will not allow violation of the rights of citizens of any community or religion,” Thackeray said.

“Those who want to protest, they can give memorandum to the authorities, and should do it in peaceful way. You can meet me too. Citizens need not fear that they will be thrown out of the country after the implementation of the act,” he said.

“There should not be any incident which will be a blot on the state,” he said.

(PTI)

Protests break out in Delhi’s Seelampur again

A fresh protest took place in Delhi’s Seelampur on Friday afternoon, reports said. The area had also seen violence following demonstrations against the Citizenship Act this week.

“A large number of people started a protest march from Jafrabad to Seelampur shoutin slogans and defying prohibitory orders after attending the Friday prayers at a mosque in the Welcome area,” News18 reported.

Mamata Banerjee questions Narendra Modi’s absence during vote on CAB in Parliament

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, in her ongoing campaign against the Citizenship Amendment Act, said, “If CAB was so good, why didn’t the prime minister cast his vote on it in the Parliament?”

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata: Agar CAB itna accha hai toh Pradhan Mantri ji aapne vote kyun nahi dala? Aap do din Parliament mein the, lekin jab aapne vote nahi dala toh mujhe yeh andaza hai ki aap bhi isse support nahi karte. Aap ise reject kar dijiye. pic.twitter.com/aBVNQBBiS9

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Kashmere Gate station closed

The entry and exit gates of the Kashmere Gate metro station in are closed, the official Delhi Metro Rail Corporation account tweeted on Friday. This is in addition to the 13 other Delhi Metro stations that have already been shut in a bid to contain the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

“Interchange facility is available at this station,” the tweet said.

Hundreds join anti-CAA protest in Mumbai’s Kurla

Hundreds of protesters joined a demonstration against the Citizenship Amendment Act on Friday in Mumbai’s Kurla (west).

Protesters at Kurla W.. Hundreds of people were participate in protests against .CAA.NRC. at kurla.. #MumbaiAgainstCAA #mumbaiprotest pic.twitter.com/odkMMaQ1tz

— Imran Hashmi (@AbdulKaadeer) December 20, 2019

Jamia Milia Islamia students offer roses to Delhi Police personnel

Students of Jamia Millia Islamia university on Friday continued the campaign of offering roses to personnel of the Delhi Police, during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act in the National Capital.

#WATCH Delhi: Students of Jamia Millia Islamia university offer roses to police personnel, deployed for security. #CitizenshipAmendmentAct pic.twitter.com/LM9wioOztK

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

13 Delhi Metro stations shut

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Friday closed the gates of 13 metro stations, including the busy Rajiv Chowk, to restrict the movement of anti-CAA agitators in the national capital, which has been witnessing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

“Entry and exit gates of Rajiv Chowk, Pragati Maidan and Khan Market are closed. Interchange facility is available at Rajiv Chowk,” the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said. Earlier, Johri Enclave, Shiv Vihar and Dilshad Garden stations were closed.

“Of the 285 stations, Chawri Bazar, Lal Quila, Jama Masjid and Delhi Gate on violet line, Jaffrabad and Maujpur-Babarpur on pink line and Jamia Millia Islamia on magenta line are closed as per instructions of security agencies. Rest of the metro network is operating as per schedule,” the DMRC had tweeted.

“Entry and exit gates of Mandi House and Janpath are closed. Interchange facility is available at Mandi House,” the account added.

In all, 13 metro stations are closed.

(PTI)

Internet services shut down in major cities in Uttar Pradesh, parts of West Bengal and Karnataka

In an unprecedented clampdown, internet services were suspended across major cities in Uttar Pradesh and a few sensitive ones in West Bengal and Karnataka as central and state governments doubled down on efforts to check the spread of rage against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Internet access over mobile phones was suspended in major towns in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Agra, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Mathura, Meerut, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Bareli, Firozadad, Pilibhit, Rampur, Saharanpur, Shamli, Sambhal, Amroha, Mau, Azamgarh and Sultanpur following explicit state government orders, telecom industry officials said.

Broadband internet services were also suspended in some cities, including Lucknow and Ghaziabad.

(PTI)

One death reported in Firozabad, says report

News18 reported that one person has died in the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad on Friday. Protests against the contentious law turned violent on Friday as demonstrators pelted stones and police personnel resorted to tear gas shells and lathi-charge in several districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Internet being shut down covertly in Delhi, say researchers

Researchers with a collective tracking internet censorship, Internet Democracy, on Friday tweeted that preliminary tests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar showed that the internet shutdowns during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act were being done covertly.

“There’s not just blocking but also throttling (slowing down) of internet. Documentation from the ground up is important. Differences across network providers, protest venues, times help us understand details of censorship & interference, get clues about methods and equipment used,” the researcher said.

We ran these preliminary tests yesterday at Jantar Mantar using the handy @OpenObservatory probe app. What’s the point when internet shutdowns are not covert? 1/n https://t.co/23mQ0gkVoG

— entee (@neintara) December 20, 2019

Internet services snapped in Bulandshahr 

Internet services were suspended in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district from 3 pm on Friday in view of anti-citizenship law protests. The order has been issued to contain the spread of rumours and misinformation on social media, District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar was quoted as saying by PTI. The district administration move comes after violence erupted during anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in the district, with incidents of stone pelting and firing being reported.

“In order to maintain law and order and communal harmony, all mobile internet services are being suspended from 3 pm on December 20 in entire Bulandshahr. Internet-related loop lines and lease lines too shall remain suspended,” he stated in an order.

Anti-CAA protesters march from Seelampur to Jama Masjid barefoot

Protesters rallying against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) marched from Seelampur in Delhi to the Jama Masjid on Friday. Thousands of protesters are marching barefoot with anti-NRC and anti-CAA placards and the National Flag. The police has removed barricades.

Input from Kangkan Acharya

Student protests infiltrated by ‘bad’ elements: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the student protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which have erupted across the country, are being “infiltrated by bad elements”.

“The 59 parties who have gone to the Supreme Court should wait for the court order and not foment violence further,” the statement said.

Johri Enclave metro station shut

The entry and exit gates of Johri Enclave have been closed on Friday, the Delhi Metro tweeted. Trains will not be halting at this station.

Widespread violence reported in districts of Uttar Pradesh

Several incidents of violence were reported in districts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday, a day after the state capital Lucknow, saw clashes between police personnel and protesters against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

On Friday, incidents of firing and stone pelting took place in Bulandshahr , Muzaffarnagar, Gorakhpur, Firozabad, Kanpur , Bijnor,   Bahraich , and Hapur districts, News18 reported.

The report also quoted the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as saying that the decision to block the internet is taken by the local administration on the basis of the assessment of law and order situation.

Kerala journalists released by Mangaluru Police

Mangaluru Police on Friday said that the six or seven journalists from Kerala who were detained in the morning have been released.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa demanding that the journalists be freed from detainment. He said , " I wish to bring your attention to an incident in which media persons on duty have been restrained by police authorities in Mangaluru. Journalists from Kerala are also part of the media contingent whose movements have been restricted. Request your intervention for issuing directions to the police so media persons are freed at earliest."

Police personnel, protestors injured in violence in UP’s Bulandshahr

Several Uttar Pradesh Police personnel and protesters were “grievously” injured after stone pelting and firing erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, News18 reported.

Breaking: Kerala CM writes to Karnataka counterpart about detention of scribes in Mangalore

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan directly intervened in the detention of Kerala journalists in Mangalore. He has writtem to Karanataka chif minister’s office.

No NRC in Bihar, says Nitish Kumar

Bihar chief minister and BJP ally Nitish Kumar has said the NRC won’t be implemented in Bihar.

Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad detained during anti-CAA protest march to Jantar Mantar

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was on Friday detained near Daryaganj during a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar, the outfit claimed. According to Bhim Army, the police tried to detain Azad at Jama Masjid but he managed to get away. However, he was detained later near Daryaganj, it said.

After Jama Masjid, Chawri Bazar, DMRC now shuts closes down Delhi Gate metro station 

Entry and exit gates of Delhi Gate metro station have been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station. DMRC had earlier shut Jama Masjid, Chawri Bazar and Qutub Minar stations. Nineteen stations were also shut yesterday amid rampant protests, however, services were resumed in the evening.

Breaking: Protests turn violent in Firozabad, says report

News18 Uttar Pradesh reported that protests have turned violent in state’s Firozabad district. The bews channel reported that several people took to the streets and resorted to arson and vandalism. The police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Delhi Police urges Jamia protesters to disperse peacefully

“Delhi police have appealed the gathering to vacate the area peacefully because there are high chances of criminal elements to mix within the crowd and create violence. This gathering mostly comprises local residents, even there are minors in the crowd. The area is highly congested and if any violence takes place, it’ll be dangerous for local residents and shopkeepers,” Delhi police source said.

Human Rights commission team visits Jamia Millia Islamia university to probe police crackdown 

A 7 member team of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) headed by SSP, Investigation Manzil Saini (IPS) visited Jamia Millia Islamia today. They inspected the University library and inquired about the incident that took on 15 December 2019, ANI reported.

Karnataka HC raps govt over Bengaluru detentions

Criticising the Karnataka state government for imposing Section 144 in Bengaluru and other parts of the state, the Karnataka High Court Friday said it will check the legality of the prohibitory orders implemented from 19 to 21 December, The Indian Express   reported.

“Are you (state) going to ban each and every protest. How can you cancel permission previously granted following due course of process?” Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka said. 

He also questioned whether the State can proceed on the assumption that every protest will turn violent.

Breaking: Pro-CAA protest planned at Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk at 5 pm today 

Police conducts flag march in Seelampur days after violent stir

Delhi: Police conducts flag march in Seelampur. VP Surya, DCP Northeast Delhi says,"There's peace in area today. 10 companies of paramilitary forces deployed&1500 other security personnel also present in the sensitive areas here. Drones also being used to monitor the situation." pic.twitter.com/fjf4Rmhfzh

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Police bloks exit to Jama Masjid as Bhim Army chief tries to lead people to Jantar Mantar, say reports

The police have blocked the exit route of Jama Masjid as Chandrashekhar Azad leads the rally towards Jantar Mantar. Azad is joined by thousands outside the iconic mosque to protest the contentious law, reports News18

Delhi Police deploys drones to monitor situation as huge congregation gathers at Jama Masjid

Delhi Police is using drones to monitor the situation at Jama Masjid as a large number of people have gathered at the sensitive Old Delhi area.  

Delhi: Protest continues at Jama Masjid against #CitizenshipAmendmentAct, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad also present. Delhi Police is using drones to monitor the situation. Azad had earlier been denied permission for a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar. pic.twitter.com/AVygYnkkic

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Bhim Army chief leads march to Jantar Mantar from Jama Masjid

Huge gathering led by Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad has gathered at Jama Masjid from where the protestors will march towards Jantar Mantar at 2pm.

Watch: Protesters gather in huge numbers at Jama Masjid despite prohibitory orders 

Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad is also present at the protest. He had been denied permission for holding a rally in the sensitive area, and was instead asked to hold peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. 

#WATCH Delhi: Protest at Jama Masjid against #CitizenshipAmendmentAct Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad also present. Azad had been earlier denied permission for a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar pic.twitter.com/uXK1tvO4CT

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Akhil Gogoi’s octogenarian mother sits on hunger strike for son’s release

Her son Akhil Gogoi was supposed to visit her recently to get her cataract operated. Today at the age of 81 an ailing Priyada Gogoi sits for six hour hunger strike demanding the Assam government to send her son soon. A special court of National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Guwahati, Assam on 17 December had sent farmers’ leader Akhil Gogoi to a 10-day NIA custody.

Akhil, the adviser of Assam’s farmers’ organization Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) was arrested under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) amid protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on the 12th of December from Jorhat. The NIA registered a case under Section 120(B), 124(A), 153(A), 153(B) of the IPC and Section 18, 39 of UAPA. 

Input and image by Niloy Bhattacherjee

Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of former president Pranab Mukherjee detained in Delhi

Delhi Mahila Congress chief and former president Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter Sharmistha has been detained near Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence, PTI reported. More details in this matter are awaited.

Protesters offer rose to Delhi police officers near Jama Masjid

Delhi: Locals offer roses to Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa and other senior Police officers at Jama Masjid pic.twitter.com/lJGoLUveh8

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

DMRC shuts entry and exit gates to three metro stations in Delhi

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has shut entry and exit gates of Chawri Bazar, Lal Quila and Jama Masjid metro stations. Trains will not be halting at these stations.

Actor Siddharth booked in Chennai for protesting against CAA

Police have filed a case against 600 protesters who gathered at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on Thursday. Actor Siddharth, singer TM Krishna and politician Thirumavalavan named in in the FIR, ANI reported.

Breaking: Citizens to hold protest at India Gate today at 5 pm

Authorities restrict entry to Mangaluru city in Karnataka after yesterday’s protests turned violent 

Entry of those coming from Kerala to this city was restricted at Thalappady border as police were checking identity cards before allowing them in emergency cases. Mangaluru is on high alert after Thursday’s violence and public are advised not to move out of their houses, sources said. At least 50 men and women who had arrived by a train from Kerala were taken into custody for trying to enter the city without identity cards.

UP Police detains over 100 after yesterday’s bloody clashes 

Altogether, 112 protesters were detained in connection with the violence in Uttar Pradesh, after a man was killed in Lucknow while eighteen police personnel sustained injuries across state. The police has also held over 3,000 people under preventive detention.

Mobile internet and SMS services remain suspended in UP 

Mobile internet and text messaging services of all telecom operators remained suspended in Lucknow and some other parts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday in view of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

In Lucknow, the suspension was announced on Thursday.

Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Kumar Awasthi had Thursday night issued an order to suspend the services till Saturday noon.

Owaisi attends United Muslim Action Committee over citizenship law, asks to protest peacefully

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi attended a meeting conducted by the United Muslim Action Committee regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act in Hyderabad on Friday.  

The meeting was held at the head office of AIMIM in Hyderabad, where Owaisi taking note of the strong opposition against the new citizenship Act said “will take police permission for the demonstrations”.

He further added, “As you know in Lucknow and Delhi, there was police brutality and violence, in Mangaluru two Muslims died. If there is violence then we will condemn and disassociate ourselves from it”.

Hyderabad: Meeting of United Muslim Action Committee, Hyderabad held at All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen(AIMIM) head office, over #CitizenshipAmendmentAct. Asaduddin Owaisi also present. pic.twitter.com/353oeTuJzG

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

FIR against 17 protesters, including Samajwadi Party leaders, after violence erupted in Sambhal 

Following the violence reported in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, an FIR has been registered against 17 people including Samajwadi Party leaders, MP Shafiqur Rahman Barq and Feroz Khan, ANI reported.

Malayalee journalists, including cameraman, detained by Mangalore Police 

Journalists belonging to various Malayalam Television channels including News18 have been taken into custody by Mangalore Police on Friday morning.

TV crews were reporting from Wenlock Hospital, where the bodies of the people killed during Thursday’s police shooting are kept, when a police team led by the Mangaluru Police Commissioner PS Harsha asked everyone to clear the premises. Following this, the police took media persons including News18 Kerala  cameraman Sumesh Morazha into custody.

However, the city police commissioner issued a clarification that “a few people not having any accreditation cards issued by any authority, not from any formal media  and in possession of many things unconnected  to reporting are being questioned.

Concerned DIPR of that state will be requested to verify the veracity of them being journalists and further action initiated. “All journalists with proper media accreditation cards given all access to report,” he said in a statement issued after the incident.

Russia issues travel advisory for citizens visiting India

With anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests fanning out across the nation, the Russian government on Thursday advised its citizens who are in India or planning to visit the country to be “vigilant, cautious, avoid crowds and refrain from visiting areas controlled by protestors”.

Last week, several countries including the US, UK, Israel, Canada and Singapore, had asked their citizens to exercise caution while travelling to the Northeastern states in India, which have been witnessing violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia said on Twitter, “Russian nationals currently in India or planning to visit the country soon are advised to be vigilant and cautious, avoid crowds and refrain from visiting areas controlled by protestors.”

#Zakharova: Russian nationals currently in #India or planning to visit the country soon are advised to be vigilant and cautious, avoid crowds and refrain from visiting areas controlled by protestors. Follow our updates. pic.twitter.com/K875NHCEEm

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) December 19, 2019

Yediyurappa calls for resistance against rumor mongering, assures Karnataka govt’s commitment to protect rights

BS Yediyurappa, chief minister of Karnataka, urged people to stay away from indulging in rumour mongering and assured his government’s commitment to protect rights of all citizens. Yediyurappa’s statement comes a day after two protesters lost their lives during demonstrations against citizenship Act in Mangalore.     

“In view of the protests in certain parts of the state against the enactment of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). I make this humble appeal to every citizen of Karnataka to stay away from vested interests indulging in rumor mongering and stoking the passions to disturb peace and harmony in the state,” Yediyurappa said.

US issues security alert for its citizens in India

Issuing a security alert for its citizens in India, the US embassy in New Delhi warned them against continued protests across the nation in response to the approval of the Citizenship Amendment Act. 

The government imposed prohibitory order under Section 144 in Uttar Pradesh and according to press reports in parts of New Delhi as well, including the Red Fort.

“US citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The US. embassy also encourages its citizens to review the “Traveler’s Checklist,” which includes valuable security information for those living and traveling abroad,” the embassy said.

Aligarh DM sounds red alert, heavy security deployed in view of Friday prayers

A red alert was sounded in Uttar Pradesh and the city put under a heavy security cover in view of the first Friday prayers since the police crackdown on the students of Aligarh Muslim University protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act earlier this week.

A senior official said that District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh has issued a red alert, and 10 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and four companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed as a precautionary measure.

“The heavy security measures are in view of the Friday prayers,” officials said.

PTI

Delhi Police denies Chandrashekhar Azad permission to attend protest march from Jama Masjid 

Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad has been denied permission for a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar on Friday by Delhi Police. The march over the new Citizenship Act is scheduled at 2 pm from Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.

Forty nine protesters detained in Ahmedabad following anti-CAA protests 

Ahmedabad Police has detained 49 people in connection with the violence that erupted during protests against newly amended Citizenship Act on Thursday. Congress corporator Shehzad Khan is also among the detainees.

No one can rob Assam’s culture, language and identity: Sarbananda Sonowal after restoration of mobile services 

Assuring that the rights of indigenous Assamese will be protected, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal addressing the media on Friday said, “I want to assure people that no one can steal rights of the sons of the soil of Assam, there is no threat to our language or our identity.”

“Nobody can rob our culture, language and identity of Assam. Our land won’t be stolen,” said Sonowal.

Normal services resume in all metro stations, tweets DMRC 

All entry and exit gates of metro stations have been opened, tweeted Delhi Metro Rail Corporation saying, normal services have been restored in all stations.

Earlier on Friday, the DMRC had said that due to security reasons the entry and exit gates of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jasola Vihar/Shaheen Bagh metro stations have been shut.

Security Update

Entry & exit gates at all stations have been opened.

Normal services have resumed in all stations.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) December 20, 2019

Mobile internet services resume in Assam after nine days of shutdown following anti-CAA protests

Nine days after the mobile and internet services were suspended following violent protests against the amended citizenship Act in Assam, the services have resumed on Friday. 

The Assam government on Thursday said mobile internet services in the state will be restored from Friday though the Gauhati High Court had ordered restoration of the service by 5 pm on Thursday.

“Tomorrow,” Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told in a reply to an SMS sent to him on Thursday seeking to know when mobile internet services are likely to be resumed.

Mobile internet services restored across Assam, services were suspended on December 11 following protests over #CitizenshipAmendmentAct

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019

Tejashwi Yadav calls for bandh in Bihar tomorrow, says CAA exposes BJP’s ‘divisive’ character

Criticising the newly amended Citizenship Act, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said the Opposition in Bihar has called a bandh on Saturday (21 December). “The act is unconstitutional and against humanity. It has exposed the divisive character of BJP,” said Yadav.

AAP appeals people to protest against CAA peacefully, says violence will make it easier for govt to suppress cause

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appealed to people to peacefully protest against the newly amended Citizenship Act on Thursday, saying violence will give a bad name to the whole movement and make it easier for the government to suppress the cause.

Noting that violence being reported from around the country is concerning, senior party leader Sanjay Singh said there is a democratic way to raise concerns over an issue.

“We should follow the path of Mahatma Gandhi of non-violence. If violence takes place then it will be very easy for the government to suppress the whole movement. It will be very easy for authorities to book you in cases and slander the whole cause,” he said.

“This is a very serious situation and a matter of concern that in some of the places violence is taking place amid the protest. In India, every citizen has the right to protest and I appeal that the protests should be non-violent else the administration will try to stop the democratic protests,” said the Rajya Sabha MP.

Three people dead across nation amid Citizenship Act Protests

On Thursday, at least three people died, several got injured and many were detained during violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act with police cracking down on protesters using tear gas shells and batons. 

One protester died in Uttar Pradesh capital, Lucknow, in an alleged “firearm injury” during a demonstration against the contentious law.

“Mohammad Wakeel, 25, died of firearm injury here,” King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Trauma Centre in-charge Sandeep Tiwari told news agency PTI. 

While two others lost their lives after sustaining injuries suffered in violent protests in Mangaluru, hospital officials said on Thursday. They said that at least one of the two dead had been shot.

Three demonstrations in Delhi, including one in India Gate, likely to take place today

According to sources, two simultaneous demonstrations are planned in Delhi for Friday. A march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar is planned in the afternoon around 2 pm and another in the evening in India Gate at 5 pm.

Entry, exit gates of two Delhi metro stations shut, says DMRC 

Day after protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rocked the nation, the entry and exit gates of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jasola Vihar/Shaheen Bagh metro stations were shut as the precautionary measure on Friday.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted, “Security Update – Entry and exit gates of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jasola Vihar Shaheen Bagh are closed. Trains will not be halting at these stations. Normal service in all other stations.”

Security Update

Entry & exit gates of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jasola Vihar Shaheen Bagh are closed. Trains will not be halting at these stations.

All other stations are open and services are normal.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) December 20, 2019