Allegation of discrimination: tens of thousands of Indians protest against immigration law

A few days ago, India's upper house passed a new citizenship law - which triggered massive criticism. After protests started last week, they have now expanded significantly. In at least eight cities, tens of thousands took to the streets against the controversial law, and there were protests at several universities. According to media reports, the police used tear gas and batons against the participants.

The new law facilitates the naturalization of illegally entered, non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Critics claim that the law discriminates against Muslims. Others fear an influx of immigrants in the Indian border regions.

The protests are now spreading across the country. Police officers used tear gas and batons against demonstrating students from the Islamic Jamia Millia University in the capital city of New Delhi on Sunday evening. The police spoke of self-defense. Demonstrators are said to have thrown stones and set fire to numerous vehicles, including buses. Around 100 people are reported to have been arrested, according to reports.

Several dead in Assam

There have also been several dozen injuries since Sunday evening. At least four people were killed in clashes in the state of Assam last week, a police spokesman said. The authorities there and in other particularly affected regions have blocked access to the Internet - probably to curb the protests.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter that the violent protests were "unfortunate and deeply terrifying". He appeased: "No Indian has anything to fear from the law." And: "The law only affects those who have suffered persecution for years and cannot go anywhere except to India." The law is an expression of the country's harmony and fraternity. The parliament agreed with great support.

I want to unequivocally assure my fellow Indians that CAA does not affect any citizen of India of any religion. No Indian has anything to worry regarding this act. This Act is only for those who have faced years of persecution outside and have no other place to go except India.

The UN Human Rights Office in Geneva, on the other hand, described the law as "fundamentally discriminatory". It undermines the promise of equality before the law, which India has committed to, not least with its own constitution.

India's interior ministry criticized the opposition parties. They would incite violence while the government tried to restore law and order. Among other things, the head of government of the State of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, called on Twitter for a demonstration in the city of Kolkata.