Violent protests have sprung up in numerous parts of India in recent days as anger has grown over proposed citizenship legislation based on religion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government says the new law will give Hindus and Christians protection from persecution in neighboring Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan by offering them a path to Indian citizenship. But critics say the law, which does not make the same provision for Muslims, weakens the secular foundations of India. Police have clashed with demonstrators in several states of India.
Photo Gallery: Violent Protests Over Citizenship Law Rock India
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Demonstrators wave the national flag of India and shout slogans during a protest against a new citizenship law, on the outskirts of Mumbai, December 18, 2019.
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Supporters of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, attend a protest march against the new citizenship law, in Kolkata, on December 18.
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Demonstrators in Seelampur, an area of Delhi, on December 17.
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A woman shouts slogans from inside a bus after being detained during a protest in Gauhati on December 17.
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A policeman fires teargas during a protest in the Seelampur area of New Delhi on December 17.
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Demonstrators throw stones toward police in Seelampur on December 17.
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A man with a wounded eye is pictured during a protest in Seelampur on December 17.
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A mass rally in Kolkata on December 17.
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Policemen chase protesters during a protest in the Seelampur area of New Delhi on December 17.
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A policeman stands guard as residents watch from their balconies in Seelampur on December 17.
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Demonstrators throw stone in Seelampur on December 17.
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Riot police fires tear gas towards demonstrators during a protest in Seelampur on December 17.
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Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, and her party supporters attend a protest in Kolkata on December 16.
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Civil rights activist, Shamshad Pathan (Center) shouts as Gujarat Police officials detain him during a protest outside Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad on December 16.
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A man runs past a burning bus that was set on fire by demonstrators during a protest in New Delhi on December 15.
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Demonstrators hurl stones towards police during a protest in New Delhi on December 15.
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Protesters in New Delhi on December 14.
