Protest marches have also been planned in Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhopal, Lucknow, Pune, and Nagpur.
In Maharashtra, the Congress, NCP and various other parties have formed a front to protest against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan. Besides the Maharashtra units of Congress and NCP, those part of the front include Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPM, JD(S), Peasants and Workers Party of India, and Muslim League among others.
A statement issued by the front said that the parties are coming together under a the name 'Bharat Ke Log'. It said that the CAA and the NRC are "unconstitutional" and "discriminatory". "The Constitution, drafted by Dr B R Ambedkar, is being violated and is under attack. This is the reason that the entire country has chosen this day to condemn the unconstitutional and divisive laws of the BJP government," the release read.
The release issued by the front also added that they chose December 19 for the protest because it was this same day in 1972 when freedom fighters Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, and Roshan Singh were put to death by hanging.
Around 2,000 security personnel, including those from the Mumbai Police and paramilitary forces, will be deployed around the grounds, said a police official.
Meanwhile, following protests in Delhi, which eventually flared up into law and order problems, senior police officers in Mumbai Police have been in talks with several organisers of the protests to ensure the city does not face a similar situation.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Vinoy Kumar Choubey said, “Adequate police presence will ensure that the protests pass off without any problem. We are in touch with the organisers of the protest and both sides are on the same page. We are confident that the event will pass off peacefully.”
Another officer said around 2,000 security personnel will be deployed from the city police, traffic police and State Reserve Police Force. “Also, drones will be deployed to check if anyone tries to cause any damage. A team will be scanning through the footage and as soon as anything suspicious is found, the officers on ground would be informed about the same,” the officer added.
“Since Thursday’s protest at August Kranti Maidan is all over social media, we do not have an estimate of how many people will be attending the rally. However, personnel would be on standby in case more people than expected land up,” the officer said.
After Prayagraj, internet suspended in Lucknow till December 21.
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As the situation turned violent in many places of Uttar Pradesh, internet services have been suspended in Prayagraj till 10 am tomorrow.
Internet services have been suspended in Mangaluru , Dakshina Kannada district for next 48 hours, till 10 pm of December 21
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 spreading of hate messages on social media with an aim to disturb the communal peace and harmony, the official said. (PTI)
Students to hold another rally from Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar to Byculla on December 27 in Mumbai.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Thursday sharply criticised the detention and police action on protesters and political leaders agitating across the country against the controversial citizenship law.
The chief minister issued a warning to the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, asking it to nullify the law rather than attempt to cover up the rising public protests. He said the ruling regime must not be under an illusion that it can dismantle democratic protests by detaining political leaders and the public and denying their freedom of movement. Read more
DCP of Bengaluru (Central), Chetan Singh Rathore sings national anthem along with protesters present at the Town Hall in Bengaluru, when they were refusing to vacate the place.
As a massive crowd gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Thursday to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act, some participants handed out roses to security personnel, saying even if they were lathi-charged, their message would be “love in return for hatred”.
Lawyers participating in the demonstration offered legal assistance to protestors in case they were detained by the Delhi Police. Read more
Protesters congregated at Delhi's Jantar Mantar dispersed this evening except for some people paying tributes to those who died in protests.
Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai alleges 'deep conspiracy' of protests turning violent in Mangaluru. "People from neighbouring Kerala regions who arrived in the state some days back have indulged in violent protests attacking the police by pelting stones and by another means. I suspect deep conspiracy in these actions," he said.
Two people died in Mangaluru during today's protest against amended Citizenship Act.
One person dies in Lucknow after anti-citizenship law protests took a violent turn in the city.
Mobile internet to be restored on Friday in Assam, state Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
People thank Mumbai police for ensuring peace during protest in August Kranti Maidan against CAA.
In the backdrop of synchronised chants of ‘Azaadi’ (freedom) by the protesters against the Citizenship Act at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Thursday, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said he is not aware of his future as he was born in Pakistan. “I came to India for shelter. What proof will I show? More importantly, why should I prove my identity,” Aiyar said. Read more
'Hum honge kaamyaab ek din': Protesters hold ground as Delhi Police asks them to vacate the site.
Jaaved Jaffrey asks the government in his speech: Stop this game. Tell us what’s going to happen next. Give us roti kapada makaan. You said you’d give us health policy, education policy but you come to power and the first thing you say is that you are going to build a temple!
Over the past three days, celebrities including Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan, Mammootty, Priyanka Chopra, Swara Bhasker, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and Sushant Singh among others have expressed their concern over the ongoing protests that have turned violent in many cities. A protest against CAA is being held in Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, and some celebrities have lent their support to the proceedings. Follow LIVE Updates
Rahul Gandhi on CAA protests: "This government has no right to shut down colleges, telephones & the Internet, to halt metro trains and to impose Section 144 to suppress India's voice & prevent peaceful protests. To do so is an insult to India’s soul."
Yogi Adityanath on CAA violence: "I have called a meeting over this. You cant indulge in violence in name of protest. We will take strict action against such elements. Will seize property of those found guilty and compensate damage to public property."
Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav and lawyer activist Prashant Bhushan have been released from detention by Delhi police. The duo were detained earlier today along with Left party leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, former JNU leader Umar Khalid, by the police near Red Fort when they tried to take out a march in defiance of the prohibitory orders imposed there to protest the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
As protests continue in New Delhi over CAA and NRC, the police Thursday said it will take legal action against those spreading rumours, PTI reported.
In a statement, the Delhi Police said no untoward incident reported during anti-CAA protests on Thursday. Apart from Delhi Police, 52 companies of other forces, including RAF and CRPF, were deployed to maintain law and order.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised a rally at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to support the Centre's decision to bring in Citizenship Amendment Act. Coming to Mumbai, political party workers and students protested against the Citizenship Act at the historic August Kranti Maidan. Protesters shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Actor Sushant Singh joins CAA protest in Mumbai. Read what the actor said about the contentious Citizenship Act.
Continuing her tirade against the BJP over the amended Citizenship Act and NRC, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday accused the saffron party of disguising its cadre as Muslims and vandalising public properties to malign the community, PTI reported.
Speaking at a rally at Kolkata, Banerjee said, "BJP is buying skull caps for its cadres who are wearing them while vandalising properties to malign a particular community."
She also said that the BJP was found in 1980 and is now asking for citizenship documents of 1970 from the people.
"We are not living in this country at mercy of others," she said.
Hundreds gathered at Hyderabad's People's Plaza and staged a peaceful protest against CAA. They offered prayers and are being sent away now. (Express photo)
The Home Ministry will review the security situation in the country on Thursday evening amid violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, MoS for Home G Kishan Reddy and Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla are expected to attend the meeting. The prevailing situation of the country will be reviewed by the Home Ministry.
Situation in Lucknow has turned violent at several places, including at and near Parivartan Chowk.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has also closed entry and exit gates of Delhi Gate for commuters in view of protests in the national capital against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. A total of 19 stations have been shut. However, the busy Rajiv Chowk metro station is now open for the public after being closed for almost two hours. "Entry & exit gates of Delhi Gate are closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said in a tweet at 4.15 pm. The other closed stations are Janpath, Barakhamba Road, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Lok Kalyan Marg, Udyog Bhawan, ITO, Pragati Maidan, and Khan Market.
Tripura Left Front convener Bijan Dhar said an anti-CAA rally taken out by the Communist party at Belonia in South Tripura came under attack by BJP supporters. Three supporters of the party were injured in the brawl, he said. BJP has, however, denied the allegation.
The Gauhati High Court Thursday directed the Assam government to restore mobile internet services at 5 pm. Mobile and broadband internet services were suspended on the evening of December 11, following incidents of violence during protests against the amended Citizenship Act. Broadband services have already resumed in Assam.
Ahead of a scheduled demonstration against the amended Citizenship Act and NRC, the AIIMS administration warned its students, resident doctors, faculty and staff on Thursday against holding any protest or strike within the premises of the institute. The administration, in its memorandum issued on Thursday, warned that any violation will lead to disciplinary and other actions. According to the memorandum, no employee or faculty member will cease work for any reason whatsoever or disrupt the work or aid or abet such disruptions or cessation.
SFI protests against the amended Citizenship Act at Agartala, Tripura. (Express photo)
Despite raging protests, the ruling BJP and the government maintained there won't be any rethink on the implementation of the new law. BJP working president J P Nadda asserted on Thursday that the CAA will be implemented, and that the National Register of Citizens will also be brought in. "India is marching ahead under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will continue to do so. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act will be implemented, so will be the NRC in future," PTI quoted Nadda as saying.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram Thursday condemned the internet blockade in parts of New Delhi, asking if all the citizens of the city have turned Urban Naxals. Chidambaram's remark comes as the capital city witnessed major blockades and internet shutdowns amid protests against the amended Citizenship At on Thursday.
Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said, "In the year that we have just celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the right of peaceful assembly and protest has been taken away from the people of this country. There can be no greater shame!"
"I condemn the physical force placed on, and the subsequent arrest of, RAMCHANDRA GUHA in Bengaluru," he added.
Drone surveillance being used at Parda Bagh area in Daryaganj, New Delhi. Meanwhile, a large number of protestors gathered at the Jantar Mantar to protest the amended citizenship law after they were not allowed to demonstrate near the Red Fort and Mandi House where prohibitory orders have been imposed. As protestors started converging at the Jantar Mantar amid heavy deployment of security personnel, barricades were erected at the protest site to prevent them from moving further.
Tripura Left Front Convener Bijan Dhar said an anti-CAA rally taken out by the Communist Party at Belonia in south Tripura came under attack by BJP supporters. Three supporters of the party were injured in the brawl, he said. BJP has denied the allegation.
Heavy security on roads as anti-CAA protests intensify in Tripura. (Express photo)
Despite prohibitory orders issued in Karnataka and state capital Bengaluru, protesters hit the streets Thursday to oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Over a 100 protesters have been arrested so far.
Around 100 policemen and three Karnataka State Reserve Police vehicles are deployed in Town Hall. Confirming the arrests, Additional Commissioner of Police (East) told indianexpress.com that the protesters were taken to Adugodi police grounds and from there they will be told to disperse and will not be booked.
Several protesters who were protesting against CAA in Kalaburagi district, north Karnataka were detained by the police. Prohibitory orders across Karnataka have been imposed under Section 144 of CrPC for 3 days beginning Thursday. Meanwhile, schools, colleges, public transport, and commercial establishments, including liquor shops, will be open as per usual. Read what CM Yediyurappa said on CAA protests
Police lathicharged protesters who gathered in Sardar Baug area near Lal Darwaza in Ahmedabad to demonstrate against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The protest was organised by Left parties, including the CPI and CPI(M), and organisations associated with them, PTI reported. "We had not given permission for this protest. We dispersed them to maintain law and order," a police official said.
With Delhi witnessing huge traffic snarls in light of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 16 flights have been delayed due to jam at NH-8. IndiGo has cancelled 19 flights due to crew getting stuck in traffic jams, a statement by Delhi International Airport Limited said.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Centre, Delhi government and police on PILs to set up a judicial commission to look into violence at Jamia university. The HC, however, declined interim protection from coercive action, including arrest to students, as sought by the petitioners.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed entry and exit gates of 19 stations including the busy Rajiv Chowk for commuters in view of protests in the national capital against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. "Entry & exit gates of Rajiv Chowk are closed. Interchange facility is available at this station," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said in a tweet. Here is a list of all metro stations shut today
Advocate Prashant Bhushan and activist Harsh Mander, who had been detained from ITO for protesting against the Citizenship Act, have been taken to Model Town police station. "Brought to Model town police station. When faced with unjust laws & an inhuman govt, non-cooperation, satyagraha & peaceful protest is our duty," Bhushan tweeted.
Protesters in Uttar Pradesh set a state roadways bus ablaze in Sambhal. They also damaged police vehicles.
Protests erupted in multiple cities across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Thursday. Several political leaders were detained in Delhi and Bengaluru.
The protesters detained near Red Fort have been taken to Mandir Marg police station. Fire tenders, ambulances and water cannons have been put in place at Red Fort.
Delhi Congress leader Ajay Maken's son, daughter and wife detained.
Delhi Police DCP Randhawa, commenting on the protests at Red Fort, said, "Permission was sought for protest but it was rejected. We informed organisers as well, even replied to them on Twitter. This is not a traditional route of protest. We request organisers that to apply for permission to protest at a designated place. In non-protest areas, people are affected, services are affected."
Kamal Haasan condemns police action against Ramchandra Guha, Yogendra Yadav during anti-Citizenship Act protests in Bengaluru, Delhi, reports news agency PTI.
The Left leaders in West Bengal's Kolkata will stage a protest at the Ramlila Maidan at 4 pm. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address a rally in Rani Rashmoni Road at 4:30 pm.
A Bengaluru man, who dressed up like Mahatma Gandhi, participated in the protest organised near the city's Townhall area. He was later detained by the Bengaluru Police.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, activist Harsh Mander, and many other leaders have been detained near ITO by the Delhi Police. Bhushan took to Twitter and said, "We were walking to Shaheed Park, but police detained us (Harsh Mander & others) at ITO. No right of peaceful protest in this country anymore under this regime?"
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a statement, said she condemned the detention of historian Ramachandra Guha. "This government is scared of students. This government is scared of one of India’s most accomplished historians for speaking to the media on #CAB #NRC and holding a poster of GandhiJi. I condemn the detention of Ram Guha. We extend our full solidarity to all those detained," the statement read.
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury was detained by the Delhi Police near Mandi House on Thursday, while he was participating in a protest staged against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Several other Left leaders like D Raja, Nilotpal Basu, Brinda Karat, among others were also detained. "We are being detained," CPI general Secretary D Raja told PTI just before he was put into a bus by the police.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Narendra Modi-led government for “shutting down everyone” as massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act continued to rock the national capital despite prohibitory orders. Referring to prohibitory orders around the Red Fort area and internet suspension in some parts of the city, the Congress leader said, “Metro stations are closed. The Internet has been suspended. Section 144 has been imposed everywhere. You are not allowed to raise your voice anywhere. The ones who have used the taxpayers’ money to explain various sciences to the people are now panicking and shutting down everyone.” Read more
Protesters across the country Thursday defied prohibitory orders as they took to the streets to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Act. Many have been detained, including historian Ramachandra Guha in Bengaluru, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury and Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav in New Delhi. Mobile internet connectivity was also shutdown in parts of the national capital. Here are the top 10 developments
West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya were peaceful on Thursday while agitators blocked rail and road traffic during a bandh called by Left-wing student organisations in Bihar against the new citizenship law. Train services were affected and roads blocked during a bandh called by Left parties in Bihar. The bandh is being supported by smaller parties too. In Patna, activists belonging to pro-Left student bodies like AISF and AISA stormed the Rajendra Nagar Terminus and squatted on the tracks disrupting movement of trains for about half an hour early in the morning. Traffic was restored after the protesters were chased away by RPF personnel. Fresh disturbance was witnessed at the station at around 10 am when hundreds of activists of Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) floated by controversial former MP Pappu Yadav burnt tyres on the road adjacent to the Rajendra Nagar Terminus and some of them squatted on the tracks. (PTI)
Noted historian Ramchandra Guha and Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav were among several people who were detained while protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Registers of Citizens (NRC) on Thursday. While Guha was detained at Townhall in Bengaluru, Yadav was taken into custody from Red Fort in Delhi. Read more
Amid heavy protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in multiple states, including capital Delhi, mobile internet services have been shutdown in some parts of the NCR. According to reports, telecom operators like Airtel and Vodafone have shut down voice, Internet, and SMS services in parts of Delhi, though it has not been specified which parts of the city. Airtel’s official customer care handle replied to users in tweets that they have been instructed by the government authorities to suspend voice, SMS, and data in certain areas in Delhi. Read more
The CPI(M), which is staging protests at Delhi's Mandi House, condemned the detaining of the protesters. Left leaders D Raja, Sitaram Yechury, Nilotpal Basu, Brinda Karat, were among those detained, reported news agency PTI.
Samajwadi Party leaders protested outside the UP Vidhan Sabha against the Citizenship Amendment Act on Thursday. The leaders were seen holding placards and shouting slogans.
(Express Photos by Vishal Srivastav)