Lucknow, December 19: Despite the imposition of Section 144 of Criminal procedure Code (CrPC) in Uttar Pradesh, several protesters gathered in the state capital of Lucknow to mark their dissent against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The situation turned out of control in some pockets of the city, with stone peltings and clashes being reported. Anti-CAA Protests in Delhi Lead to Massive Traffic Snarls, Air India, Indigo and SpiceJet Cancel Flights, Promises Full Refund to Passengers.

In Khadra area of the city, the protesters resorted to stone pelting, said top officials of the Lucknow Police. This prompted the police to take stern retaliatory action against those up in agitation. The security forces also resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob at Parivartan Chowk and Hazratganj area.

Watch Video of Lucknow Police Baton-Charging Protesters

In Hazratganj area, the protesters reportedly turned violent and torched vehicles to mark their angst. A media OB van was also set ablaze by the violent demonstrators. The UP police has deployed additional security personnel in the region to curtail the protests.

On Wednesday night, Uttar Pradesh's Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh announced prohibitory orders across the state in a bid to prevent the mobilisation of protesters. Despite the imposition of Section 144, members of Muslim community came out in large numbers to protest against the citizenship law.

The CAA, which aims to naturalise non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, is being viewed by a section of Indian Muslims as a ploy to strip them of their citizenship. Although the law does not mandate the revocation of any citizenship, protesters allege that the law, combined with the proposed nationwide National Register of Citizenship (NRC) exercise, is aimed at targeting Muslims while ensuring citizenship for other communities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2019 04:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).