India: Protests against citizenship bill in New Delhi and Assam December 10 /update 1

Event

Student groups carried out disruptive shutdown protests in Assam state on Tuesday, December 10, in opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) that seeks to provide citizenship to non-Muslim minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Protesters set fire to and threw stones at vehicles, causing significant transportation and business disruptions.

Anti-CAB activists have also called for a protest in New Delhi on Tuesday. Participants plan to gather at the Jantar Mantar from 16:00 (local time). However, images circulating on social media indicate that some protesters have already begun gathering as of 13:30.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near any protest site. Further protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

The CAB was originally introduced in 2016 but was tabled due to widespread protests denouncing the legislation. Opponents claim the legislation is in violation of the constitution, which prohibits religious discrimination against citizens.

Protests took place on December 9 in several cities causing significant business and transportation disruptions. The Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) passed the CAB legislation on December 9, while the Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament) is still due to vote on the bill.

Advice

Individuals in India are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for transportation disruptions around protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.