Protests planned in India vs law

BIG RALLIES are expected across India on Thursday as the tumultuous and angry reaction builds against a citizenship law seen as discriminatory against Muslims.

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.

The law gives migrants fleeing persecution from neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh an easier path to citizenship, except that Muslims are excluded.

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 founda

tions.

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.

Police have fired tear gas into crowds and been accused of beating protesters, including women and students, fuelling the anger. - More rallies Protest organisers have flagged plans for major rallies on Thursday in major cities across India, including the capital of New Delhi.

Police refused a march permit for one of two major demonstrations planned in New Delhi, officials said. Organisers said they planned to march anyway.

Authorities on Wednesday also imposed a ban on gatherings of more than four people in some of the city’s Muslimdominated districts.

A crowd of mostly young people rallied outside Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia university on Wednesday to protest, defying the ban on large gatherings.

“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.

“They are questioning our existence, and it is high time for us to speak up.”