Iran Press/Asia: Division has been deepened in India following the new citizenship act that makes it easier for non-Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh to be naturalized.
According to France 24, twenty-seven people have died in two weeks of violent demonstrations after the new law by Hindu Nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government expedited citizenship for certain religious minorities.
Coupled with a mooted citizens register, the law also has stoked fears -including in the UN rights office- about the marginalization of Muslims who make up 14 percent of India's 1.3 billion people.
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Indian demonstrators rallied both in favor of and against the legislation, underlining the divisions rippling through the country.
Despite Modi's assurance, several state governments have also said they will refuse to implement the legislation, in a challenge to his authority.
On Friday, demonstrators chanted slogans against the government, vowing to keep up the pressure until the law was revoked and plans for the register canceled. 101/211/207
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