Cop, civilian killed in clashes over citizenship law in India

A policeman and a civilian were killed Monday during violent clashes over controversial citizenship law in the Indian capital New Delhi, local police said.

The killings took place in the clashes that broke out between pro- and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) groups in the northeastern part of the city.

According to police officials, the protesters threw stones, set vehicles and shops on fire during the clashes. Several policemen and civilians were also injured.

"One policeman was killed during the clashes today in Chand Bagh area of the city and we have also received a report about the killing of a civilian," a police official said. "We are investigating the matter and soon it would come out under what circumstances the two killings took place."

Authorities have deployed additional police force and paramilitary in the capital city to contain the violence and prevent it from spreading.

The violence came hours before visiting U.S. President Donald Trump was scheduled to reach Delhi. Trump Monday arrived in India on his two-day visit.

The disturbing videos of violence that emerged showed flames leaping from vehicles, shops and buildings. The protesters also tried to torch a petrol pump.

Police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (a government order which prohibits assembly of more than four persons in public places) at 10 locations in the northeast district of Delhi.

The police have urged people to maintain calm and not lend ear to rumors.

"Some incidents of violence and arson have been reported in the areas of northeast district, particularly in the areas of Maujpur, Kardampuri, Chand Bagh and Dayalpur. It is appealed to the people of Delhi and particularly to the North East District to maintain peace and harmony," reads a statement put out by police in Delhi.

"People should not believe in false rumors. It is also appealed to the media not to circulate any disturbing pictures which may further aggravate the situation."

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) closed the entry and exit gates of Jaffrabad and Maujpur-Babarpur stations following the violence. Trains will not be halting at these stations.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have appealed for calm and urged the protesters to exercise restraint.

Protests against the controversial new citizenship law erupted on Dec. 11 last year, the day India's upper house of parliament passed the law. Since then there has been no let-up in the protests.

The law aims at granting citizenship to illegal immigrants belonging to six religions - Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Parsi and Christianity - from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, it has kept out Muslim immigrants from applying for citizenship.

Opposition parties and civil society members in India criticize the law as contrary to secular principles enshrined in India's constitution as it excludes Muslims.

So far, the violence against the law has killed over 30 people across India.

Until now five Indian states and one federal territory have passed resolutions in their respective lawmaking bodies against the controversial law.

Over 140 petitions challenging the new citizenship law have been filed to the country's Supreme Court.