…As 63 Brigade Headquarters Complex is Commission in Asaba
Delta State Governor, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Monday commended the Nigeria army for their selfless services and for their cooperation with other security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state.
The Governor stated this in Asaba during the official commissioning ceremony of the Headquarters 63 Brigade in Asaba the Delta State capital.
He commended the Nigerian Army Corps of engineers for their efforts at transforming the Brigade Headquarters.
He also urged the army and other security agencies to intensify efforts in resolving occasional disputes between farmers and herders across the state.
“I must truly thank the Chief of Army Staff for bringing this Brigade to Delta. We used to be supervised by the Brigade in Benin and we were excited when we heard of the approval for a Brigade in Asaba.
“I thank God for the provision of funds for the realisation of this Brigade and I thank you for the support because the operationalisaion of this Brigade will help us to achieve greater peace in Delta.
“We have had a very warm relationship with your officers and men here and that of the 6 Division.
“As a state we take security matters very seriously even as we meet twice a month to proactively deliberate on security matters.
“Your officers have cooperated with other sister security agencies and that has helped us in achieving the needed inter agency cooperation and the peace we enjoy in the state.
“Delta is peaceful today, though we have had few incidences that makes us sad but with all hands on deck we will surmount all the security challenges.
“We will continue to support the army and other security agencies in the state as much as our finances can carry.
“We still have security challenges such as farmers-herders clashes and kidnapping which obviously was going down but we still have a lot of work to do even though we are already working hard and we do hope that the cooperation we have in the past will continue,” he added.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai said – “the establishment of 63 Brigade Nigeria Army is not a coincidence but well thought out in view of the strategic role of the state in the economy of Nigeria” .
He further stated that he was glad to have personally come for the inauguration of the headquarters which was provided by the Delta State Government.
According to him – “Let me express my profound appreciation to the Governor of Delta, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for the donation of this headquarters.
“The establishment and subsequent commissioning of this headquarters is the first critical step in the full operationalisaion of the Brigade.
“I am aware of the critical support of the government and people of Delta State to the success of this Brigade and such support had engendered very good civil-military relations in the state.
“Your donation and funding of this headquarters has shown that there is good understanding of the roles of security to the development of any state, it further shows the correlation between security and development” – he said.
He commended the state government for the provision of vehicles to the Brigade assuring that the army will continue to reciprocate the kind gestures of the state government by ensuring more commitment and adequate security of the state.
In his remarks at the occasion, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigeria Army, Maj Gen Felix Agugo thanked Governor Okowa for the support to the Brigade and the Division.
Major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Certificate of Occupancy of the Brigade Headquarters Complex to the Chief of Army Staff and a guided tour of the complex.
The supreme court has just dismissed Emeka Ihedioha’s fresh appeal
The court said it does not have the competence to review its earlier decision.
The apex court, in a decision by a seven-man panel of Justices led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad, reinstated the judgement it gave on January 14, which declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Congress, APC, as the validly elected governor of Imo state.
In the lead verdict that was delivered by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the apex court, held that Ihedioha’s application to set-aside the judgement that removed him from office lacked merit.
The political tension building up around the National Chairman of the ruling All Peoples Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole just increased by another political pressure group in Abuja.
The Governors’ Mandate Network (GMN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Oshiomhole to order so as to douse the political tension building up towards the gubernatorial elections in Edo state.
This warning was contained in a statement circulated in Abuja by the Chairman of GMN, Earl Osaro Onaiwu where he observed that “the former governor of the state, Oshiomhole, is unnecessarily distracting the governor, Godwin Obaseki from doing his job.
Onaiwu further noted that “Obaseki has performed credibly well for the state and has put the infrastructure in place that is obvious for everyone to see.
“The governor has changed the face of the state and has revived infrastructure that was abandoned by the previous governments.
“Oshiomhole is not doing the state any good, but distracting the governor from doing what he was elected to do.
“We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to call Oshiomhole to order.
“He’s distracting our governor from doing his work he was elected to do.
“What he has done so far is visible for everyone to see. He has revived what was abandoned by the previous governments, he should be supported and encouraged to do what he was elected to do.
“These distractions will not help the state. When Oshiomhole was the governor nobody distracted him, he was allowed to do his work.
“We know how he fought those, who were alleged to be godfathers in the state.
“If the former governor hates what he described as godfatherism, why is he trying to subject the governor to such harrowing experience.
‘Enough of Oshiomhole’s highhandedness and stop embarrassing the state.”
“A word they say is enough for the wise’, Onaiwu concluded.
Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has emerged as the Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum.
Okezie’s emergence was announced on Wednesday’s night in Abuja at the end of the PDP’s Governors’ Forum’s first meeting under the chairmanship of the Sokoto state governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in Abuja.
The meeting, which lasted for about three hours, was held at Shehu Shagari House, the Sokoto state governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Fielding questions from journalists at the end of the well attended meeting, Gov. Tambuwal disclosed that the forum discussed matters of its national spread and development, how it would be strengthened to meet future political challenges and myriads of issues affecting the nation.
In a communique issued by the forum and signed by Gov. Tambuwal, forum congratulated the PDP over “the recent Supreme Court verdict”, that brought Senator Diri Duoye and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhruojakpo, to power.
The PDP Governors’ Forum specifically applauded the apex court’s Wednesday’s affirmation of the November 2019 Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Elections.
While ushering Senator Duoye into the meeting and the Forum, the body, according to the communique, “expressed joy that the Supreme Court was not misled to change its earlier judgement.”
The party expressed the hope that justice will be done in the case of the Imo State Governorship election by returning the rightful winner of the election, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha as Governor of Imo State to office.
According to the Governors, “We request the Supreme Court to, also, in the spirit of fairplay, reverse its decision in the Imo State Governorship as a result of the extra-ordinary circumstances that attended the decision”.
In attendance st the meeting were; the Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and governors of Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta and Taraba.
The governor of Zamfara was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Mahdi Aliyu Muhammad.
Other stakeholders at the meeting were some members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).
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The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded October 10, 2020 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN says he is heading to the election petition tribunal.
Jegede made public his decision on Friday October 30 in a statement.
“In the last 19 days, I have been silent, today we break that silence in obedience to the provisions of our laws. We commence a challenge against the declaration and return made by INEC in respect of the Ondo State Governorship election of 10th October, 2020,” he said.
“By this process, let our people again begin to hope for a better future to the glory of God.
Troops of the Nigerian army have continued to make gains against remnants of the dreaded Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in the Northeast of Nigeria and other parts of the country leading to the surrender of several terrorists and the rescue of civilian captives held by the insurgents.
In a statement obtained by Television Nigerian, Media Coordinator of the Nigerian army Operations Centre, Col Aminu Iliyasu said the continuous chocking and decimation of unrepentant remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province elements at the enclaves and hideouts across the Theatre by the troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE is evidently yielding the desired results.
“This is evident in the frequency and number of the criminal terrorists succumbing to the unbearable battle pressure being unleashed on them by surrendering to the troops during the recent clearance operations conducted by the troops.” he said.
Part of the statement reads below;
On 21 February 2020, a total of 8 Boko Haram fighters along with 14 of their family members comprising 6 women and 8 children surrendered to troops of 152 Task Force Battalion deployed at Banki Town in Bama LGA of Borno State during clearance operations. The surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists include: Tija Bo Isa, Ba Amodu Aba Kaka, Modu Zantalami, Malam Zantalami, Bakura Aba Kaka (Boko Haram Logistics Supplier), Bulama Modu Zantalami, Abukar Izahi and Bana Katum.
During preliminary interrogation, the surrendered terrorists regretted their involvement in the dastardly acts of killing and abduction of innocent people as well as attacks on security agencies. They equally disclosed that their leadership has been in disarray for the past 4 months since the renewed offensive actions by the troops against their enclaves leading to high casualties on their foot soldiers amidst serious dislocation of their command structures.
They further disclosed that many of their erstwhile colleagues are wandering in the forest and willing to give up their unholy adventure but are afraid of being killed by the security agencies. They therefore call on them to take the bold decision and surrender to any Nigerian Army unit closest to them as the safety of their lives are guaranteed.
In a separate development on the same day, 21 February 2020, the combined troops of 19 Brigade, 127 and 130 Battalions in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group conducted a massive clearance operation along Mile 4 – Cross Kauwa – Tukul Village – Daban Shata all in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with some marauding Boko Haram criminals along a River Bank at Daban Shata.
After a brief encounter, one Boko Haram criminal was neutralized while 2 others were captured alive by the gallant troops. Additionally, 7 AK 47 Rifle magazines, 2 bandoliers, one camel bag, one military waist belt and a sample of receipt were recovered. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the captured insurgents is the Amir (a high ranking member of Boko Haram) of Daban Shata.
Relatedly, on the same 21 February 2020, the combined troops of 29 Task Force Brigade, 273 Tank Battalion, 156 Task Force Battalion, Army Super Camp 4 and elements of 7 Division Garrison also conducted a robust clearance operation to Lambuwa, Abbusuri, Bamti, Malumti, Goni-Kanuburi and Sheworam all in Konduga LGA of Borno State. At Lambuwa, troops conducted a snap Cordon and Search Operation and arrested 3 suspected Boko Haram criminals with one of them bearing the name of Modu Solum (a high profile Boko Haram member and Logistics Supplier). However, further profiling is ongoing to ascertain the suspects’ real identities.
In a similar vein, on 23 February 2020, troops of 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment in conjunction with elements of Borno State vigilantes arrested 7 notorious Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province logistics suppliers at Maina Hari Check Point in Biu LGA of Borno State. The arrested suspects include: Mohammed Abba, Bukar Usman, Chulum Adam, Adam Alhaji Jidda, Ahmed Abba, Jidda Abdullahi and Modu Amadu. The suspects are currently in troops’ custody giving useful information.
Similarly, on 17 February 2020, troops of 5 Brigade Mobile Strike Team in conjunction with Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion II and elements of 145 Battalion (Main) rescued 126 Boko Haram captives while conducting clearance operations within the Gudumbali general area in Guzamala LGA of Borno State. The rescued victims comprised of 36 adult males, 36 adult females and 54 children. Relatedly, troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade rescued 17 Boko Haram captives comprising 6 adult males, 6 adult females and 5 children on the same date. All rescued victims were evacuated and handed over to Internally Displaced Persons Camp officials.
In another development, on 17 February 2020, vigilant troops of 271 Tank Battalion of Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed at Jada Check Point in Jada LGA of Adamawa State intercepted 2 Boko Haram Logistics Suppliers namely; Sani Audu and Bana Abba in a Toyota Starlet car conveying large quantities of anti-biotics, sex enhancing and other illicit drugs and a Dane gun (concealed in the vehicle apartment) meant to be supplied to the criminal terrorists.
In a related development on the same day, the troops of Army Super Camp 7 Bama, arrested a Boko Haram criminal, Francis Kombai with 3 different documents bearing different names in Bama LGA of Borno State. Preliminary interrogation of the suspect revealed that the suspect is a national of Chad Republic and could not substantiate his actual mission to the general area when he was accosted.
Also, on 22 February 2020, troops of Strong Response Area Pulka in Gwoza LGA of Borno State in conjunction with elements of Borno State vigilantes sprung a successful ambush laid at a Boko Haram Terrorist crossing point along Pulka – Firgi – Banki Junction, neutralized one Boko Haram criminal and recovered one AK 47 Rifle and one Bajaj motorcycle. Relatedly, on 22 February 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 19 deployed in Bitta, Gwoza LGA of Borno State while on a routine patrol along Bitta – Yemteke Road discovered an Improvised Explosive Device planted by the evil Boko Haram criminals. However, the devise was safely detonated by the expert Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team attached to the Unit.
Similarly, on 23 February 2020, troops of 202 Battalion while on clearance operations between Aulari and Bama discovered an Improvised Explosive Device planted by the Boko Haram criminals along the axis of advance. However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team of the Unit safely detonated the device. Furthermore, troops recovered a belt of PKT ammunition and one General Purpose Machine Gun tripod and the remains of a Boko Haram suicide bomber. In the same vein, on 23 February 2020, troops of 130 Battalion deployed in Baga, Borno state, discovered and safely detonated an Unexploded Ordnance while conducting clearance operations along Mile 4 – Cross Kauwa in the same LGA.
Additionally, on 24 February 2020, resilient troops of 68/94 Battalions conducted a robust clearance operation to Old Chadian Camp, Kaniram, Mamuri Gana up to Bosso River Bank. The troops discovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device planted by the Boko Haram insurgents short of the Old Chadian Camp. Again, on 25 February 2020, troops of 25 Task Force Brigade while on patrol along Damboa – Maiduguri road discovered another Improvised Explosive Device planted by Boko Haram criminals. Nevertheless, the device was safely detonated by the expert Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team of the Unit.
In the North West Theatre of Operation, on 21 February 2020, troops of 17 Brigade deployed in Batsari LGA of Katsina State while on a routine patrol along Batsari – Y’ar Gamji Road made contact with 3 bandits while trying to mount an illegal Check Point. Instantly, the valiant troops engaged the criminals neutralizing one while 2 others escaped albeit with gunshot wounds. At the end of the encounter, 2 AK 47 Rifles loaded with 27 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one motorcycle belonging to the bandits were recovered.
Relatedly, in the early hours of 24 February 2020, acting on credible information, troops of 35 Battalion deployed in Funtua LGA of Katsina State in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Funtua Command intercepted a group of armed robbers at Government Day Secondary School Funtua. Information revealed that the robbers had stormed the residence of the manager of Zayton Company at Yanguwa Bypass at Funtua town and carted away some electronics alongside other valuables. The gallant troops arrested 2 of the robbers and recovered 11 handsets, one LG TV set, one inverter, one HP laptop, one play-station, one play-station pad, one axe, one shifty cutter, 3 cutlasses and one pocket Allen key. Similarly, on 25 February 2020, troops of 1 Division Garrison acting on credible information intercepted a group of bandits who had earlier kidnapped some victims from Niger State. Consequently, the troops made contact with the bandits at Chikwale in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. The criminal bandits abandoned their victims and beat a hasty retreat into the nearby forest. One of the victims, Mr Abubakar was rescued while troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifle magazines, one military pullover, 36 mobile phones, 2 solar panels and 3 bags containing clothes and food condiments.
In another development, troops of 35 Battalion deployed in Katsina in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Service Katsina State Command raided the residence of a suspected gun runner, Alhaji Aminu Bush at Modoji Ward in Katsina LGA of Katsina State. The Team recovered one Magnum Pump Action Rifle and 89 rounds of live cartridges hidden in a secluded area of the residence.
In the same vein, on 22 February 2020, vigilant troops of 1 Brigade deployed in Zamfara State while on patrol to Bagega Forest arrested 3 bandits on a motorcycle, recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, a bag containing illicit drugs, one thermometer and 5 GSM phones. Same troops on 18 February 2020 while on a reconnaissance patrol around Kirsa Village in Anka LGA of Zamfa State accosted a bike rider with a young woman. However, on sighting the advancing troops, the rider abandoned the motorcycle and the lady and ran into a nearby bush. After the encounter, troops arrested the lady, recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and a Honda motorcycle.
Furthermore, on 22 February 2020, troops of 1 Brigade deployed at Gusau in Zamfara State, while on an aggressive patrol along Jaru Gemi – Magami- Gusau road, made contact with a group of bandits. The bandits who evidently realized they cannot withstand the troops’ firepower, cowardly withdrew in disarray. Consequently, troops exploited along the bandits’ withdrawal route and recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, 10 AK 47 Rifle magazines and 124 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Also, on 25 February 2020, same troops gallantly decimated a bandits’ ambush along Bini – Burwaye road in Zamfara State, neutralized 2 of the bandits and recovered 42 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one motorcycle, a pair of military camouflage uniform, a pack of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, 2 mobile phones and a memory card. Additionally, same troops on 24 February 2020, conducted a snap road block along Shinkafi – Kauran Namoda road, intercepted a vehicle and discovered 3 AK 47 Rifles concealed in the door panel of the vehicle.
Also, on 23 February 2020, troops of 1 Division Garrison under Operation MESA arrested a female bandit suspect named Zainab Abubakar at Ungwan Salaha in Mararaban Jos of Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Preliminary check into her phone revealed a video clip of the suspect dancing with an AK 47 Rifle hung on her neck during a social event.
In the South South Region, on 23 February 2020, troops of 13 Brigade deployed in Calabar in conjunction with personnel of Department of State Service and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps conducted a joint anti-kidnapping operation leading to the neutralization of one kidnapper, arrest of 3 other kidnappers and rescue of 2 kidnap victims from Ekot Ukpa Creek at Adiabo Village in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State. The team also recovered one Dane Gun, one dagger, 6 mobile phones and 2 reflective jackets. Preliminary investigation revealed that the rescued victims were abducted by the criminals between 21 and 22 February 2020.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wishes to reassure the general public of the unflinching resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue to execute our constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a better and secure Nigeria. He also thanks all well-meaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding towards the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army.
TROOPS OF 1 DIVISION GARRISON ARRESTED A FEMALE BANDIT SUSPECT NAMED ZAINAB ABUBAKAR AT UNGWAN SALAHA IN MARARABAN JOS OF IGABI LGA OF KADUNA STATETROOPS OF 17 BRIGADE DEPLOYED IN BATSARI LGA OF KATSINA STATE NEUTRALISED ONE BANDIT AND RECOVERED 2 AK 47 RIFLES LOADED WITH 27 ROUNDS OF 7.62MM SPECIAL AMMUNITIONTROOPS OF STRONG RESPONSE AREA PULKA IN GWOZA LGA OF BORNO STATE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELEMENTS OF BORNO STATE VIGILANTES NEUTRALIZED ONE BOKO HARAM CRIMINAL AND RECOVERED ONE AK 47 RIFLE AND ONE BAJAJ MOTORCYCLE
The Kano Council of Ulama has rejected the proscription of street begging in Kano State.
The group, headed by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, condemned the ban and described it a mere pronouncement that will not see the light of the day.
“The right steps have to be followed in banning street begging and these include firstly, the Quranic clerics involved have to be identified. Because there are street beggars who are Quranic students, there are beggars who are sent by their parents from the rural areas to come and be begging in the urban centres, there are also beggers engaged by some physically challenged individuals,” he said.
He said all these forms of street beggars need to be identified and each one be addressed accordingly. But they have not done that.
“Also, the Hizbah used to make arrests and when they arrest them they just keep them and cannot properly even feed them.
“More so, you cannot stop begging in the state without joining hands with the neighbouring states. If you don’t join hands with the neighbouring states, for example in the General Hospital in Kano, you have people from Katsina, Bauchi, Niger, Gombe, or Zaria or even Jos, you budget for just the state in the Hospital but it is about five states that benefits from the health services rendered
“You have not considered them, they have not been considered by their states, no budget has been made for them.
“So, for the ban to work there has to be a cooperation between the government and the Quranic clerics. You have to sit with them and understand why they engaged in begging, get some statistics, know the total number of those engaging in street begging among them.
“If you identify all these, it is then that you will come to know exactly beggars that are not Almajiri Quranic students.”
The operations of the Nigerian Military in the ongoing battle with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group in North-East Nigeria have received commendations recently from a wide array of security experts that stated that indeed there had been tremendous gains made so far.
This medium undertook an investigative report and sorts the views of a cross-section of security experts drawn from Nigeria and other countries. Their opinions were in uniformity with the fact that the ISWAP terrorist groups have been decimated and left in disarray and the Nigerian Military has made enormous gains.
According to a highly placed security sources who pleaded anonymity, he stated that from available Intel, what is now left of ISWAP are a bunch of disgruntled fighters facing hunger and logistics challenges so much so that some of its members now enter communities to steal food and other essentials to keep their lives running.
They have been broken, and they have resulted in aiming at soft targets in women and children, going on rampages in villages and causing destruction to paint a picture of a strong fighting force, but in truth, they are in disarray.” He added that a 2018 research analysis predicted a tough year for the Boko Haram/ISWAP group, and this much was the case with the way and manner the Nigerian troops responded to the threats posed by the groups.
“There was a projection by the ISWAP affiliate of ISIS to gain control of Nigeria and some other countries in Africa, and Nigeria was designated as the start point. If it had succeeded in Nigeria, it would signal the beginning of an inglorious reign of terror. This is not the case today due to the efforts of the Nigerian Military in confronting the terrorists and ensuring that their nefarious activities are nipped in the bud.”
In a similar vein, Terhemba Kwaga, an associate professor of cognitive psychology of the department of Psychology, Benue State University, Makurdi heaped praises on the Nigerian Military for the way and manner it has been able to sustain the morale of its troops. He argued that the importance of cognitive stability and flexibility in warfare, such as the Boko Haram/ISWAP war cannot be overemphasized.
“The troops have displayed the right mental balance in the prosecution of the war, and this has led to the tangible gains recorded so far. This is on the heels that guns and tanks are not the only weapons of war, the right cognitive balance is one, and this much the Nigerian Military has utilized to their advantage and largely responsible for the gains made so far. This is remarkable as well as commendable.”
In a similar development, it has been recorded that there is currently a crisis in the camp of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). This development is coming at a time when ISWAP lost about 25 of its commanders in a series of raids carried out by the Nigerian Military in the last two months. Credible sources stated that many others have fled into the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger, and Cameroon as a result of heavy bombardment from security forces.
-VANGUARD
Paramilitary troops patrol in a riot affected area after clashes erupted between people demonstrating for and against a new citizenship law in New Delhi, India, February 25, 2020. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
At least 19 people have been killed in the Indian capital during violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups over a new citizenship law, a senior hospital official told Reuters, although there was an eerie calm on Wednesday in the riot-torn areas.
“There are 15 patients in critical condition,” the hospital official from the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital told Reuters, adding a total of 19 people had now died at the facility.
Police used tear gas, smoke grenades and pellets, but have struggled to disperse stone-throwing crowds involved in the violence that spiralled out of control on Monday.
The clashes, which coincided with a visit to India by U.S. President Donald Trump, erupted between thousands demonstrating for and against the new citizenship law introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government.
India’s capital has been the epicenter of unrest against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which makes it easier for non-Muslims from some neighboring Muslim-dominated countries to gain Indian citizenship.
Critics say the law is biased against Muslims and undermines India’s secular constitution. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has denied it has any bias against India’s more than 180 million Muslims.
Reuters witnesses saw mobs wielding sticks, pipes and stones walking down streets in parts of northeast Delhi on Tuesday, amid incidents of arson, looting and stone-throwing. Clouds of black smoke billowed from a tire market that had been set alight in the area, as fire trucks rushed to control the blaze.
Shots could be heard in the area and many of the wounded had suffered gunshot injuries, hospital officials said.
