"Internet is back" -- this was a common status of many users on social media platforms as mobile data services were restored across Assam on Friday, ending a nearly 10-day internet drought in the state.

From students to professionals, teenagers to adults, people heaved a sigh of relief, and many took to Facebook and Twitter to express their sentiments and opinions.

While most were just relieved to see the mobile internet connection back in their phones, many Twitter users also thanked the lawyers associated with the case after PILs were filed in the Gauhati High Court challenging the suspension of internet services in the state.

Internet services were suspended in Guwahati in Kamrup (Metro) and several other districts on December 11 evening to prevent misuse of social media in disturbing peace and tranquility as well as to maintain law and order.

The services were restored on Friday even as protests against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act continued in the state.

"After nine days, finally government has resumed mobile Internet Services in Assam as per high court's order," wrote Nabajyoti Lahkar, a user on Twitter and signed off with 'Jai Ai Axom' -- the rallying cry of the anti-CAA movement.

Chinmoy Deka, a student of B Borooah College in Guwahati, was relieved to use his smartphone after nine days.

"The moment I turned on internet on my phone, dings of Facebook and WhatsApp notifications on my phone kept making the jangling noise. I had several thousands notifications on WhatsApp. It just kept pouring in," he said.

The Delhi Police detained 40 people in connection with a violent protest in Daryaganj here on Friday, officials said.

According to the police, the protesters set ablaze a private car parked at Subhash Marg, Daryaganj. The fire was immediately doused with water and fire extinguishers.

The Delhi Police resorted to lathicharge and used water cannon to disperse protesters as violence marked a march against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Friday with stones being hurled on security personnel.

Police, however, denied baton charging the protesters and using teargas, saying it used "mild force" and water cannon. 

"Hours after the violent protest near Delhi Gate, around 42 injured people, including eight policemen, got medical treatment at Lok Nayak Hospital. Two people admitted to the hospital have been seriously injured but their condition is not life-threatening at present. One person who has suffered a fracture in his leg is admitted in a ward," said Dr Kishore Singh, MS, Lok Nayak Hospital.

"On Friday afternoon, a large number of people gathered in the area of Jama Masjid for prayers. After the prayers, they wanted to proceed towards Jantar Mantar, but police persuaded them not to march towards Jantar Mantar, as the capacity of Jantar Mantar is meant for gatherings below 1,000 and also as no prior permission had been granted," a senior police officer said.

The protesters heeded to police advice and dispersed from Jama Masjid, but later assembled at Delhi Gate. 

I was accompanied by Robin Verma, a local activist and friend, and two others, both journalists. The men did not identify themselves and inquired about us using strong and aggressive language. They told me they wanted to question me about something. 

At the very first instance, I revealed my identity as a journalist and asked them what the matter was all about. However, they packed the two of us, Robin Verma and me, into a police jeep, snatched my mobile phone and asked me to not call or inform anyone or I would regret it. They refused to explain anything to me and asked me to talk only when they asked.

A seven-member team of the National human Rights Commission on Friday visited the Jamia Millia Islamia University as part of its probe into the alleged police excesses following their entry into the varsity campus, an official said.

  

According to the Jamia official, the NHRC team visited the library, which the police had allegedly stormed while looking for 'outsiders' who had indulged in violence and arson during the protest outside the campus against the amended citizenship law on Sunday and had sneaked into the campus. 

"A seven-member team of NHRC headed by SSP (Investigation) Manzil Saini  visited JMI today. They inspected JMI Library and enquired about the whole incident that took place on December 15 2019," said varsity's PRO-Media Coordinator Ahmad Azeem.

The NHRC said it has deputed a team led by its SSP, Manzil Saini to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry to know whether incidents in Jamia Millia Islamia involved human rights violation.  

The Commission has received complaints in the matter and registered a case, it said.

The fact finding team will submit its report, which will be analysed and placed before the Commission for appropriate recommendations in the matter, it added. 

The complaints received by the Commission incorporated allegations of illegal detention of students of Jamia Millia Islamia by police and denial of legal and medical aids to students injured in the police action, the NHRC said.

Police had barged into the campus and allegedly baton-charged students studying in the library.

The police had purportedly stormed the library while looking for 'outsiders' who were involved in the arson and violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest outside the campus.

Hindu Sanghatan founder on Friday filed a police complaint against Bollywood actor and film-maker Farhan Akhtar for allegedly distorting facts about the newly enacted Citizenship Amendment Act through his comments on Twitter.

Karuna Sagar, city-based advocate and founder of Hindu Sanghatan, in his complaint filed against the actor in Saidabad police station alleged Akhtar incited fear among dalits, Muslims and atheists through his comments.

When contacted, Saidabad police inspector Srinivas said they had received the complaint and were verifying the facts.

The official also said they are seeking legal opinion if any case can be made out of the complaint.

The advocate alleged the Bollywood personality posted on Twitter a picture with a message that the recently enacted Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 will inhumanly exclude Muslims, transgender atheists, dalits and landless without documents and also that they could be jailed deported and placed in camps. 

The Citizenship Amendment Act is "a matter entirely internal to India" and does not impact the status of any citizen, the ministry of external affairs said on Friday, in response to the "factually inaccurate" remarks of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on the country's recently enacted legislation.

"According to media reports, Malaysia's prime minister has yet again remarked on a matter that is entirely internal to India. CAA provides for citizenship through naturalisation to be fast-tracked for non-citizens who are persecuted minorities from three countries," the MEA said in a statement. 

"The CAA doesn't impact the status of any Indian citizen or deprive any Indian of any faith of her/his citizenship. Malaysian PM's remark is factually inaccurate. We call upon Malaysia to refrain from commenting on internal developments in India, without the right understanding of facts," the statement read.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Kuala Lumpur Summit 2019 on Friday, the Malaysian PM questioned the "necessity" of the Citizenship Act, when Indians have "lived together for 70 years", according to media reports.

The CAA makes it easier for "persecuted" minorities from three neighbouring countries to get citizenship but not if they are Muslims, Mohamad was quoted as saying.

"I am sorry to see that India, which claims to be a secular state, now is taking action to deprive some Muslims of their citizenship," said the 94-year-old leader.

"If we do that here, I do not know what will happen. There will be chaos and instability, and everybody will suffer," he added.

Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid on Friday took part in a protest at India Gate against the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that youth were taking to streets as they feel the country is heading in the wrong direction.

Khurshid said that the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act shows "restlessness" prevailing in the youth of the country. "This protest shows that there is a sense of restlessness among the youth. They are protesting to save the Constitution," Khurshid said.

"They feel that the country is heading towards the wrong direction. They are protesting against it as they do not want to be blamed for it," he added.

He said that the Narendra Modi government did not take the country into confidence over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

"You can make a law but if people of the country are not taken in confidence, nothing would materialise," he said.

Protests have been held in various parts of the country against the new law which was enacted earlier this month. 

Britain's Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has been hospitalised as a "precautionary measure" related to a pre-existing condition, Buckingham Palace said on Friday. 

The 98-year-old Duke of Edinburgh travelled from the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to the King Edward VII Hospital in London on Friday morning. He is expected to remain there for a few days.

"The Duke of Edinburgh travelled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition," the palace statement read.

"The admission is a precautionary measure on the advice of His Royal Highness' doctor," it said.

The palace said the royal was not taken by ambulance and that it was a planned admission.

Prince Philip retired from public life in August 2017 after decades supporting the 93-year-old monarch and attending events for his own charities and organisations.

Since retiring from official solo royal duties, he has appeared in public alongside the Queen and other members of the royal family at limited number of events and church services.

The hospital visit comes as the Queen arrived at her Sandringham Estate on Friday for the start of her annual Christmas break.

"We are witnessing protests across the country. This law is against the poor. Like demonetization, people will now have to stand in lines. The rich will show their passports. what will the poor show? most have no documents with them," she said.  

Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for demanding United Nations intervention on Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday questioned the Trinamool Congress chief's faith over the national institutions.

"We never wanted a third party or international fora's interference in our affairs. On a completely domestic matter, she has chosen to ask for United Nation. Does she have no faith in institutions of India?" asked Sitharaman. "I totally condemn her statement. And it is irresponsible of a chief minister to talk like that," she added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday demanded that an "impartial organisation" like United Nations should form a committee to see how many people were in favour of Citizenship Amendment Act.

"Let there be an impartial organisation like United Nations or Human Rights Commission ...form a committee to see how many people are in favour or against the Citizenship Amendment Act," she had said while addressing a gathering in Kolkata.

Banerjee has been vehemently opposing the amended Citizenship Act and has said that she will not allow the legislation to be implemented in West Bengal. Several other non-BJP chief ministers have also echoed similar views.

A total of five people have died in the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests across Uttar Pradesh. While two people have died in Bijnore, one killed in Kanpur, one in Sambhal and one in Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh.

A total of 13 people have injured in Kanpur violence. The injured also include six policemen. Cops have nabbed 25 protesters for their alleged involvement in the violence.

Protesters demonstrating against the amended citizenship act torched a police vehicle in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr after which internet services were suspended across the district on Friday, officials said. The order for internet suspension was issued to contain the spread of rumours and misinformation on social media, District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said.

Massive protests against the amended citizenship act are being reported from across the country where protesters have clashed with police. 

In Delhi, Jama Masjid became the centre point on Friday with police detaining Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad during a march. The Bhim Army chief, however, escaped. 

Sonia Gandhi has issued a public statement against the Citizenship Act. She also condemned the police crackdown against the protesters and said that every citizen has a right to protest.  

She said in a statement, "In a democracy people have the right to raise their voice against wrong decisions & policies of the govt & register their concerns BJP govt has shown utter disregard for peoples voices & chosen to use brute force to suppress dissent."

Hours after Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad led a massive protest against the new citizenship law at Delhi's Jama Masjid, hundreds of protestors took to the streets of the national capital this evening in fresh protests against the controversial law.

In dramatic visuals protesters can be seen gathering on the streets of as Delhi Police block a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar in central Delhi.

The protestors have been stopped at Delhi Gate by cops, who deployed anti-riot Vajra vehicles, and resorted to water cannons and lathi-charges to disperse the crowd and control the situation.

A vehicle has been set on fire outside the Daryaganj Police Station.

Delhi Metro has closed 17 stations in response to the violence, including Rajiv Chowk, Pragati Maidan, Khan Market, Johri Enclave, Shiv Vihar and Dilshad Garden stations have been shut.

This evening's protest is the latest in a series of confrontations between Delhi Police and members of the public; on Thursday prohibitory orders were imposed and internet suspended in parts of the city, including ITO where several newspapers are based.

Anyone born in India before 1987 or whose parents were born before 1987 are bona fide Indian citizens according to law and need not worry due to the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 or a possible countrywide NRC, a top government official said on Friday.

  

According to the 2004 amendments of the Citizenship Act, people of the country, barring those in Assam, whose one parent is an Indian and neither is an illegal immigrant are also considered Indian citizens.

The clarification came amid the protests against the CAA and the several versions being circulated in social media about the recently enacted law.

Those who are born in India before 1987 or whose parents were born in the country before that year are considered Indians under naturalisation as per the law, the official said.

In case of Assam, the cut of date for identification of an Indian citizen is 1971.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake with its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region jolted several parts of north India including Delhi-NCR on Friday, officials said.

  

"The earthquake of 6.8 magnitude had its epicentre in Hindu Kush," an official of the Seismology Department said.

There was no immediate report of any loss of life or property due to the quake which hit at 5:13 pm.

"Implementation of the Act is under centre. We will finalise who all will be involved in implementation. It will be a digital and easy process so that people don't face any problem," MHA sources on some states denying implementation of CAA.

Sources said that the ministry is in the process of framing rules for CAA and people can give their suggestions."We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But, they have the right to go to the court and the people have the right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give. We're in process of framing the rule," they said on the protests against CAA.

Sources said that CAA will not affect the Indian citizens."If any country has illegal migrants than the government has the right to through them out anyway," sources said on international bodies' reaction on CAA.

Image: Anti-CAA protesters at Jama Masjid in Delhi today

Headed by IPS Manzil Saini, the seven-member team also inquired about the police action on the protesters during the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act on December 15, 2019.

Several students and police personnel had sustained injuries in the clash, which broke out between protesters and cops during the demonstration. Several private and public vehicles were torched. The cops were stone pelted, following which they fired tear gas shells. Police later said that it had to enter the university to nab the violet protesters. -- ANI

The government has shown conviction to change India's system, take some tough decisions and make sure it is responsive to industry, she said at industry body Assocham's event here. According to the minister, major steps taken in the past few years make India stand out in the world and industry is part of the change. 

"I would appeal to you that please get out of the mood of self doubt. Can we do it? Can India do it?... why is this negative mood? Get out of this self doubt," she said and emphasised that most of the macro economic indicators are strong. 

Inflation has been under control, macro economic fundamentals absolutely strong, FDI inflow has been strong, foreign exchange reserve is at record high, PSU banks have been professionalised, Sitharaman said. Her comments assume significance in view of muted private investment and economic slowdown. Urging India Inc to participate in the growth story, Sitharaman said they should participate in the disinvestment programme by becoming the first bidders. 

"This government does not want businesses to close. We want to help them to be revived by legislative and other administrative changes... we are with you. I want this mood of self doubt to be completely removed from your minds.

"Believe in India. You have done that for last 100 years. There is a need for all of you do it even more now. You have to be the change agent and don't ask animal spirits to be brought to you. You have inside, get it out," she noted.

Considering the fact that the protests are being held in sensitive areas, the police is taking proper security measures to maintain law and order in the national capital.

"I was not allowed to enter the mosque as I have no valid identity proofs to enter. I will go home now and bring either an Aadhaar or voter identity card to enter," Mohammad Syed told ANI.

Syed also said that it is a good step that the police has taken to maintain peace.

The police, in the morning, allowed certain Namazis to carry the Indian flag with them to the mosque.

The Delhi police have deployed personnel along with Central Reserve Police Force in and around the Jama Masjid area to maintain law and order.

Facing criticism over his support to the amended citizenship law, Nitish Kumar on Thursday said he "guaranteed" that minorities will not get a raw deal "as long as we are around". 

"Just look at the efforts we made for the uplift of the minorities. Those who were in power earlier are engaged in inciting people. They should tell us what the minorities got during their reign," Kumar said at a public meeting here during his 'Jal Jeevan Hariyali' Yatra. 

"There are people who are engaged in the business of whipping up passions. But we believe in serving all and taking every social segment along. And we guarantee that as long as we are around, the minorities will not get a raw deal," said the Chief Minister, who is also the national president of the JD(U). 

Opposition parties have accused Kumar of compromising on his professed commitment to secularism by supporting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Parliament. Many top office-bearers of the JD(U), including national vice-president Prashant Kishor and national general secretaries Pavan Varma and Ghulam Rasool Balyawi have openly expressed opposition to the party's stand. -- PTI

A large number of people joined the demonstration after attending the Friday prayers at the mosque. Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, holding up a copy of the Constitution, was leading the protesters. Some protesters were carrying posters of B R Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and Bhagat Singh. Delhi police denied permission to hold any protest in the area. Protests were also witnessed in several other areas in the national capital including in northeast Delhi's Seelampur, the site of large scale violence by protestors on Tuesday.

People marching from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar were stopped near Delhi Gate as police barricaded all the arterial roads in the area, triggering traffic jams.

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad had given the call for the protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar. Considering sensitivity of the situation, Rapid Action Force was deployed in the area. 

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed at least four metro stations in view of protest in the national capital against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Entry and exit gates of Chawri Bazar, Lal Quila, Jama Masjid and Delhi Gate metro stations were closed to stop movement of protesters in the area. Police deployed drones to keep a vigil on the gathering. 

The national capital witnessed massive protest on Thursday too with thousands of students, activists and opposition leaders hitting the streets, defying heavy security clampdown and prohibitory orders. 

Mobile internet services were suspended in several parts of Delhi on Thursday to quell the swirling agitation. Earlier on Friday, security forces carried out a flag march in Seelampur. Prohibitory orders were imposed in 12 police station areas of Northeast Delhi, officials said, adding police used drones to keep a tab on the law and order situation in the district. -- PTI

District Judge Dharmesh Sharma imposed an exemplary fine of Rs 25 lakh in the case which has to be paid within a month. "This court does not find any mitigating circumstance. Sengar was public servant and betrayed people's faith," the judge said while declining the plea for lenient approach in sentencing him. The court also said the conduct of Sengar was to intimidate the rape survivor. 

It also directed that the rape survivor be paid an additional Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the mother of the victim.

"If BJP has guts, it should go for a UN-monitored referendum on the amended Citizenship Act and NRC. If the BJP loses this mass vote, then it should step down from the government," Banerjee dared the ruling BJP on Thursday in Kolkata, at her fourth rally in as many days.

The BJP has hit back at Banerjee, demanding an apology from the Trinamool Congress chief for making the suggestion, with MP Smriti Irani saying, it was an insult to Parliament. 

Mamata, today, clarified that she was in fact seeking an 'opinion poll'. "I did not say referendum. I said gana vote. I meant an opinion poll overseen by experts like the Human Rights Commission. I have full faith in my country and its people. I want an opinion poll on CAA and NRC," she said.

On Thursday, she took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minster Amit Shah and said, "Let's have a vote. Just because you are majority, you can't do just about anything. You are terrorising all, the pillars of society".

Hazare had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 9, informing him that he would observe 'maun vrat' from December 20 as a "penance".

"I have begun my 'maun vrat' to seek speedy justice in the Nirbhaya case and if it is not delivered, I will go on indefinite fast," Hazare said in a press release.

"The crimes against women are taking place in several states, including Delhi. People in the country welcomed the encounter of the four accused in the Hyderabad rape and murder case because of the delay in judicial and police process," he said. 

The delay in justice is causing people to lose faith in the judiciary, he added. Hazare also sought speedy trials in cases of crimes against women. Apart from this, Hazare also demanded that judicial accountability bill be passed in the Parliament, vacant posts of judges be filled and the Supreme Court's recommendations for improvement of the police force be implemented. -- PTI 

According to police, the case was registered as the protests were held at Valluvar Kottam on Thursday despite the police authorities revoking permission for the same.

Hundreds of people, including various political, non-political and student organisations had protested against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, demanding the government to withdraw the new law alleging that it discriminates on the basis of religion.

File pic. 

The CBI had sought life imprisonment for Sengar, convicted for raping a woman in Unnao in 2017, saying it was a fight for justice of an individual against the system.

The probe agency had urged the court to give maximum punishment of life term, prescribed under the law, to the politician.

The counsel for the CBI and the complainant sought maximum punishment for Sengar, saying the court must consider the "cry of the girls in heinous crimes".

While supporting CBI's submission, the counsel appearing for the rape survivor also sought adequate monetary compensation for her. The counsel appearing for Sengar, however, urged the court to give minimum punishment to him, 10-year jail term, saying he had no prior criminal record.

Protesters carrying the tricolour and banners reading 'save Constitution' raised slogans against the new legislation. They assembled near gate number one of Jama Masjid as drones also kept a vigil on the large gathering which raised slogan 'Inquilab Zindabad' with some singing 'Saare Jahan Se Accha'. 

Some protesters were also carrying posters of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and Bhagat Singh. The massive protest march led by Bhim Army, despite the police denying permission to it, comes a day after thousands of students, activists and opposition leaders hit the streets in the national capital defying security clampdown and prohibitory orders.  -- PTI

In view of the planned protest, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation shut Chawri Bazar, Lal Quila and Jama Masjid stations. Delhi Police said that it has denied permission to Bhim Army to take out a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar. 

The march is expected to see participation of students from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia. Joint Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar and Deputy Commissioner of Police Ved Prakash Surya were among senior officers who were present during the flag march in Northeast Delhi.

"We are conducting a flag march in the area to maintain law and order and peace," DCP Surya said. A person identified as Rashid was arrested on Thursday in connection with the violence and vandalism in Seelampur area of the Northeast Delhi which witnessed violent protests by thousands of demonstrators on Tuesday. Prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 are in place near the Red Fort area since Thursday.

On Thursday, thousands of students, activists and opposition leaders hit the streets in the national capital, defying heavy security clampdown and prohibitory orders even as authorities suspended mobile internet services and restricted traffic movement to quell the swirling agitation. 

Opposition leaders D Raja, Sitaram Yechury, Nilotpal Basu, Brinda Karat, Ajay Maken, Sandeep Dikshit and activists Yogendra Yadav, Umar Khalid were among over 1,200 people detained from areas around Red Fort and Mandi House -- the sites of the two planned demonstrations. -- PTI

District Judge Dharmesh Kumar Sharma reserved the order for 2 pm after hearing both the defense and the prosecution.

The court had on Monday convicted Sengar, a four-time BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh's Bangarmau, for raping a girl at his residence in Unnao, where she had gone seeking a job.

The court convicted him under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 5 (c) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which pertains to penetrative sexual assault committed against a child by a public servant. The co-accused Shashi Singh, who allegedly took the minor to Sengar, was afforded the benefit of the doubt and let off by the court. -- ANI

The action was taken after scores of people staged protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in the district yesterday.Out of the people against whom the FIR has been registered by the police, 22 have been identified which also includes Amarnath Janakuram, who is an aide of state legislator Jignesh Mevani.

Meanwhile, in Ahmedabad, over 59 people were detained after the protest turned violent.Protests have intensified in several parts of the country after the Parliament gave the nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which became an Act after getting assent from President Ram Nath Kovind. Section-144 has been imposed in various parts of the state in view of the prevailing law and order situation.

"Sufficient force has been deployed including 10 companies of CRPF and RAF in Northeast district. We've held many rounds of meeting with locals. We have deployed drones, anti-riot gear to deal with any kind of situation," said Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police.

On Thursday, police carried out flag march and area domination exercise. Police also held peace committee meetings in several parts of Delhi as a confidence-building measure.

While several parts of the country saw violent protests, in other places people were seen protesting in a peaceful manner, particularly at Delhi's Jantar Mantar where the demonstrators sang "Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara" in patriotic fervour. -- PTI

Image: Locals offer roses to Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa and other senior Police officers at Jama Masjid.

Twenty-six police personnel were injured after a mob resorted to stone pelting during the protest. Congress corporator Shehzad Khan Pathan had provoked the mob, the police claimed. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police Bipin Ahire, ACP R B Rana and J M Solanki an inspector posted at Isanpur police station were among the 26 policemen injured in the stone pelting, they said. "We have registered an FIR against 5,000 people. While 50 were named in the case, 49, including Congress corporator Shehzad Khan Pathan, were arrested on Friday. They have been booked for attempt to murder, rioting and assaulting police," Solanki, who has suffered injuries on his head, said.

He added that the Congress corporator was detained on Thursday and arrested on Friday. "When we were taking Pathan away in our vehicle yesterday, he asked the locals to take revenge and not spare any policeman. His provocation led to the attack on the police," Solanki alleged.

He added that the situation in the area was under control. A video clip telecast by a local news channel purportedly showed agitators hurling stones at police vehicles. In the footage, some policemen could be seen taking cover behind police vehicles to save themselves. Another video purportedly showed some people thrashing a police personnel who fell down from a moving police bus.  -- PTI

Image: Anti-CAA protesters in Ahmedabad yesterday.

The Ghaziabad and Noida authorities have issued pamphlets in a bid to tackle rumours about the newly-enacted citizenship law that are making rounds on social media.

The pamphlets say that the objective of the citizenship act is not to take away the citizenship of Muslims in the country but to grant Indian citizenship to the minorities facing religious persecution in neighbouring countries.

They also say that there has not been any announcement about the implementation of a national-wide National Register of Citizens.The pamphlets also appeal to the people to maintain mutual brotherhood and social harmony.

The Gurugram Police said that it is monitoring those spreading rumours."Keeping in mind the current situation over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the Gurugram Police is keeping an eye on the people spreading rumours on social media about the new law," it said.

Bengaluru City Police has also advised people not to pay attention to rumours and false information on social media.

Image: Anti-CAA protesters at the August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai last evening. Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani

"Expansion of the council of ministers is expected on December 23 or 24. Portfolio allocation has been done. Some departments might get swapped among the three parties," a senior Congress leader told PTI on Friday. 

Uddhav Thackeray was sworn in as the chief minister of Maharashtra on November 28 along with six ministers -- two each from alliance partners the Shiv Sena, NCP and the Congress. Portfolios in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, as it is called, were allotted on December 12.

Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Kumar Awasthi had Thursday night issued an order to suspend the services till Saturday noon. Internet services were also not available in Sambhal, Aligarh, Mau, Ghaziabad, Azamgarh and Bareilly districts even as Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting assembly of four or more people, was already in force in the entire state for several days. 

A 25-year-old man was killed as violence erupted in the city and some other parts of the state, with protesters angry over the amended citizenship law pelting stones at police and torching vehicles.

In Ghaziabad, Jio users received a message that read, "As per the government instructions, the internet services have been temporarily stopped in your area because of which you are not able to use these services. You will be able to use the internet service once we get directions from the government". -- PTI

Delhi: The entry and exit gates of all metro stations including Jamia Millia Islamia and Jasola Vihar Shaheen Bagh are open and services have resumed in all stations, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said on Friday.

Noida: District Magistrate BN Singh on Friday said that Internet services in Noida and Greater Noida will not be suspended and warned of strict action against those who attempted to disturb law and order situation amid the ongoing CAA protests across the state.

Image: Thousands turned up at the anti-CAA protest site at August Kranti  Maidan in Mumbai, last evening. Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani

He also accused Banerjee of speaking the language of Pakistan."Mamata Banerjee is indulging in anti-national activities. She is speaking the language of Pakistan. The elected Chief Minister is neither accepting the Parliament nor the President. In such a situation, she has no right to be in the post," he said while speaking to media.

"The way Pakistan says to go to the United Nations (UN) on every issue, similarly Mamata Banerjee is also refusing to accept the law of the country and is talking about going to the UN," he added.

Yesterday, challenging the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government at the Centre to go for a UN-monitored referendum over the amended Citizenship Act and the NRC, the West Bengal Chief Minister had stated that the BJP will have to quit if it fails with a "mass vote". -- ANI

The measures are part of the police efforts to ensure peace and law and order after violent protests erupted against the new citizenship law at various parts of the national capital.

Several protesters and policemen sustained injuries during a protest against the CAA outside the Jamia Millia Islamia on December 15, which later turned violent.

On December 19, two people were taken into custody for allegedly distributing pamphlets with inciting content on them regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and CAA.As many as 37 people from North-East Delhi have been kept under preventive detention on Thursday.

Section 144 has been imposed in the Red Fort area to maintain law and order situation after a protest march against the citizenship law was called by various opposition parties. The restrictions are also in place in North-East District.

The Delhi Police have requested the people to not spread rumours and cooperate with the police while holding protests against the CAA in the national capital.

The Act seeks to grant citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014. -- ANI

File pic of Bhim Army protesters. 

"Senior Advocate Chetan Sharma will be mentioning the issue pertaining to the misconduct of Jamia lawyers inside courtroom number one when they could not get relief," lawyers said in a communication.

They also requested all the members to reach Delhi High Court on time.Delhi High Court had on Thursday posted for February 4 the petition related to the violence in Jamia Millia Islamia and issued a notice to Central government and Delhi Police.

After the court denied an earlier date for the hearing as requested by the petitioner's counsel, the lawyers raised 'shame, shame' slogans in the court.

Several protesters and policemen had sustained injuries during the protest against the new citizenship law near the Jamia Nagar area which turned violent on Sunday. At least three buses were set on fire and other public properties were also damaged in the protest. -- ANI

"As a senior leader and constitutional functionary, she cannot be oblivious to the potentially dangerous consequences of such an approach. Her stance is an outrage of essence and letter of our constitution and no nation loving person can appreciate or countenance it. I am sure she would forthwith revisit her stance," said Dhankar in a tweet.

On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had demanded that an "impartial organisation" like the United Nations should form a committee to see how many people were in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Mobile internet services have been restored across Assam after services were suspended on December 11 following protests over Citizenship Amendment Act.

Though, protests continued unabated across Assam on Thursday, there was no report of any violence.

The Congress observed 'Mass Satyagraha' across the state on Thursday with their former ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior leaders and other members sitting at different places.

JUST IN: Mobile internet services restored across Assam, services were suspended on December 11 following protests over Citizenship Amendment Act.

Though, protests continued unabated across Assam on Thursday, there was no report of any violence.

Congress observed 'Mass Satyagraha' across the state on Thursday with their former ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior leaders and other members sitting at different places.

The Left Democratic Mancha, comprising Communist Party of India-Marxist, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist, Revolutionary Communist Party of India, Janata Dal-Secular, Nationalist Congress Party,  Liberal Democratic Party, Aam Aadmi Party and Asom Sangrami Mancha, also organised sit-in demonstration in Guwahati and other places of the state.

All Assam Students' Union (AASU) strongly criticising the vice chancellors' appeal to students not to join the stir.

VCs of about 20 government and private universities in Assam, which experienced mass protests against the amended Citizenship Act and mayhem, had earlier made an appeal to students not to endanger their future but help in maintaining peace and harmony in the state.

The Sanmilita Songram Parishad, a platform of 51 groups, too had a sit-in protest in the state capital.   -- ANI/PTI

Voting for the fifth and final phase of Jharkhand assembly elections began at 7 am on Friday, amid the presence of heavy security at the polling booths.

Voting is underway across 16 constituencies in the final phase. Among these are Rajmahal, Borio (ST), Barhait (ST), Litipara (ST), Pakur, Maheshpur (ST), Shikaripara (ST), Dumka (ST), Jama (ST), Jarmundi, Nala, Jamtara, Sarath, Poreyahat, Godda, Mahagama.

In total, 236 candidates including 29 women are in the fray in the final phase in which 40,05,287 voters will exercise their right of franchise.

Over 62.4 per cent voter turnout was recorded at 15 assembly constituencies covering four districts that went to polls in the fourth phase of elections in Jharkhand on December 16.

The third phase of elections took place in 17 assembly constituencies covering eight districts on December 12.

The second phase of elections to Jharkhand Legislative Assembly took place in 20 assembly constituencies on December 7, while the first phase of voting took place on November 30.

The counting of votes will be held on December 23. -- ANI

Vladimir Putin leapt to Donald Trump's defence after the US president was impeached, saying the claims against him are 'far-fetched' and 'made up'. 

Echoing the White House's language, Putin said the 'party that lost the election is continuing the fight by other means'. 

Putin also likened the impeachment to the Robert Mueller probe into Trump's alleged links to Russia, which threw up no hard evidence of collusion. 

The Russian leader has cast a long shadow over US politics since Russia was accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential race. 

US intelligence services believe that Russia tried to help Trump win, but Trump himself has queried the findings of his own agents. 

Trump has long faced suspicion at home over his links to Putin and perhaps the most notorious moment of their relationship was the 2018 Helsinki summit at which Trump backed up Putin's denials of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.  

The president said 'I don't see any reason why it would be' Russia, sparking a wave of condemnation at home. He later said he misspoke.