Large gatherings banned in Karnataka amid Citizenship act protests

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Dec 18, 2019: Ahead of protests that have been planned in Karnataka over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, large gatherings have been banned in parts of the state for the next three days, including capital Bengaluru. Section 144, that bans the gatherings of four or more persons, has been imposed, officials said on Wednesday, NDTV reported.

 

"Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act were happening without permission... There has been stone-throwing during processions that has injured people and damaged property. So we have taken a decision to not allow this. From 6 am tomorrow to midnight December 21, there will be prohibitory orders in Bengaluru. No procession or raly will be allowed," Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao Bhaskar Rao said at a news briefing.

A demonstration was planned at the Town Hall in Bengaluru tomorrow at 11 am.

Massive protests have erupted across India against the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act that was cleared last week. The contentious law promises citizenship to immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh but not if they Muslims.

Critics have said the law challenges the foundations of India’s secular foundation by making religion a criteria for citizenship. The ruling BJP, which also governs Karnataka, says that the law will help minorities who have faced persecution in the neighbouring countries for decades.