The Indian government’s new Citizenship Amendment Act that grants nationality to thousands of immigrants from certain religions has sparked violent nationwide protests.
The new law offers religious minorities from neighbouring Muslim majority states who immigrated illegally to apply for citizenship. This includes Hindus, Sikhs, Parsees, Jains and Christians from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
But the law does not include Muslims.
Muslims in the country say the new law specifically marginalises them and critics say it is a move by a Hindu nationalist government to undermine the secular state.
The Modi-led government has defended the decision saying that Muslims are not religious minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
The law has not just stoked religious anger. There is a massive backlash in the country's north-east.
People there say that the new law will lead to a massive rise in immigration, eroding their culture and taking their jobs.
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Protesters argue with policemen during a demonstration against the Indian government's Citizenship Amendment Bill in New Delhi. AFP -
Demonstrators shout slogans in New Delhi. AFP -
A demonstrator holds a placard to protest against the legislation in Chennai. AFP -
University students clash with police in Lucknow. AFP -
Demonstrations in New Delh. AFP -
Supporters and activists of Trinamool Congress (TMC) participate in a mass rally in Kolkata. AFP -
Demonstrators attend a protest against a new citizenship law, outside Jamia Millia Islamia university in New Delhi. Reuters -
Demonstrators burn an effigy depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Reuters
