Prime minister, foes of citizenship law on collision course

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has set itself on a collision course with those protesting a new religion-based citizenship law, leading to fears of deepening polarization across the country at a time when the economy is sputtering.

At least 25 people have been killed, scores more injured and thousands detained as tens of thousands of people across India have taken to the streets to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act, pushed through parliament on Dec. 11.

This week, Modi said the demonstrators are responsible for damage done during nationwide protests. Those involved “should sit at home and ask themselves if their path was right,” he said at an event in Uttar Pradesh. He did not comment on the allegations of widespread police brutality.

The law bars undocumented Muslims from three nations — Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan — from seeking Indian citizenship, while allowing people of other faiths to do so. Taken together with a proposed national register of citizens, the new law is seen as a way for Modi’s Hindu nationalist government to discriminate against India’s Muslim minority.

Peaceful protests will go on as long as the law is in effect, said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “Do not fear anybody,” Press Trust of India quoted Banerjee as saying at a rally on Thursday. “I warn the BJP [Modi’s party] not to play with fire.”

On Friday, thousands of people marched in several places, including New Delhi and Mumbai. In New Delhi, gatherings of more than four people were banned in some areas, and at least one metro station was shut down to control the spread of demonstrations.

Hundreds of women in a largely Muslim neighborhood in India’s capital braved chilly winter temperatures and sat on the roads in protest on Thursday. The women have been part of the demonstration since Dec. 15.

“How can we let our rights go like this? We will sit here till Modi answers us and takes back the plan for national citizenship register,” said Sahiba, who gave just one name. “We women have never been on roads like this.”

SAJJAD HUSSAIN / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES / TNS Police detain a protester at a demonstration in New Delhi last week. Tens of thousands have taken to India’s streets to demand revocation of a new law that bars undocumented Muslims from three neighboring countries from applying for citizenship.

AKASH ANSHUMAN / ABACA PRESS / TNS Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) waves during a rally in New Delhi last week. Violent protests have put big pressure on his Hindu nationalist government.