New Delhi, December 18: Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, declared his support to the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act 2019) protests and demonstrations and also appealed the protestors to keep control on their emotions. The Shahi Imam's appeal comes a day after the Seelampur protests in East Delhi turned violent. At least 34 people were injured, which also included 12 policemen, said reports. "To protest is the democratic right of the people of India, no one can stop us from doing it. However, it is important that it is done in control, keeping our emotions in control is the most important part," said Bukhari. Delhi: Violent Protest Against Citizenship Law in Seelampur, 21 Injured; Demonstrations Continue Near Jamia Millia Islamia University (Watch Video).
Reiterating the government's take on the issue, the Bukhari said that, "Under Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Muslim refugees who come to India from Pakistan, Afghanistan, & Bangladesh will not get Indian citizenship. It has nothing to do with the Muslims living in India." The Shahi Imam also mentioned NRC in his speech and said that, "NRC has only been announced and is not a law yet," reported news agency ANI. CAA: Petitions Against Citizenship Amendment Act To Be Heard By Supreme Court Today, Delhi Traffic Police Issues Advisory For Commuters Travelling From Noida.
Read the ANI Tweet Below
Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari: There is a difference between Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) & National Register of Citizens (NRC). One is CAA that has become a law, and the other is NRC that has only been announced, it has not become a law. (17.12.19) pic.twitter.com/Eo9bjd8YTp
— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2019
Protests broke out against the amended citizenship law in Seelampur's Brijpuri area on Tuesday night with people pelting stones on police personnel, officials said. The incident took place at around 8:30 pm and was later brought under control, said Police.
The protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 intensified after the Delhi Police on Sunday allegedly entered the campus of Jamia Millia Islamia University. The University administration alleged that students were roughed up by the cops in the campus. In solidarity, students from various universities extended their support to the protests against CAA. The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 has been called "unconstitutional" and "communal" by the Opposition parties, whereas the government continues to maintain that the bill is not against any religion and only addresses the issues of "minorities persecuted" in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2019 10:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).