Indians Protest Citizenship Law: Al Jazeera

Rules around citizenship help define a country’s values and aspirations. Large numbers of Indians are turning out to protest a new citizenship law that welcomes refugees from neighboring states but pointedly excludes Muslims. Authorities have detained hundreds of demonstrators and banned gatherings in Uttar Pradesh as well as parts of the northeast, Bihar and cities including Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Vodafone and Airtel report that the government ordered them to cut mobile service in parts of Delhi. Muslims represent about 15 percent of India’s population. Protesters suggest the law 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 foundations,” reports Al Jazeera. “Modi has defended it as a humanitarian gesture.” India’s Supreme Court plans hearings in January. Anger is not limited to Muslims, and Al Jazeera's Sohail Rahman notes, "This law is deemed to be something that strikes the heart of the constitution about everybody's liberty." – YaleGlobal