Protests have flared up across India against a citizenship law seen as discriminating against Muslims (DIPTENDU DUTTA)
<p>New Delhi (AFP) – Big rallies are expected across India on Thursday as the tumultuous and angry reaction builds against a citizenship law seen as discriminatory against Muslims.</p><p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to drive the law through parliament last week has ignited nationwide protests that have often turned violent, with six people killed.</p><p>The law gives migrants fleeing persecution from neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh an easier path to citizenship, except that Muslims are excluded.</p><p>Critics say it is further proof that Modi, emboldened by a resounding election victory this year, is moving quickly to reshape India as a Hindu nation and weaken its secular foundations.</p><p>During the past week of unrest, hundreds of people have been arrested, authorities have cut the internet in some flashpoint areas and banned large gatherings in others.</p><p>Police have fired tear gas into crowds and been accused of beating protesters, including women and students, fuelling the anger.</p><p></p><p>- More rallies -</p><p></p><p>Protest organisers have flagged plans for major rallies on Thursday in major cities across India, including the capital of New Delhi.</p><p>Police refused a march permit for one of two major demonstrations planned in New Delhi, officials said. Organisers said they planned to march anyway.</p><p>Authorities on Wednesday also imposed a ban on gatherings of more than four people in some of the city’s Muslim-dominated districts.</p><p>A crowd of mostly young people rallied outside Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia university on Wednesday to protest, defying the ban on large gatherings.</p><p>"We are really very angry with the BJP government… they have taken racism to the extreme point," Taiba Hadis, 18, told AFP at the rally.</p><p>"They are questioning our existence, and it is high time for us to speak up."</p><p>In the financial capital of Mumbai, hundreds of people rallied on Wednesday carrying placards with the words: "India is Ours" and chanting "We Are All One".</p><p>"We just cannot go along with this bill. I can’t believe we now have to prove our citizenship after living in India for so many years," Tabeer Rizvi told AFP as the Mumbai crowd burst into a Hindi version of the US civil rights movement anthem: "We shall overcome".</p><p>"I am not surprised to see people of all religions come out to protest this bill."</p><p>Rallies were also held in other states including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Telangana on Wednesday.</p><p>The UN secretary-general’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the global body was "concerned about the violence and alleged use of excessive force by security forces that we’ve seen that have been taking place".</p><p>The US State Department this week urged New Delhi to "protect the rights of its religious minorities in keeping with India’s constitution and democratic values".</p><p></p>

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.