Published 12:36 IST, December 17th 2019
CM Yogi Adityanath directs authorities to check for fake news being spread over CAA
In a video conference meeting attended by multiple senior authorities, he asked them to check social media to prevent the spread of fake news regarding CAA
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked officials from across the state to keep a check on fake news from being spread on social media platforms regarding the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAA). The CM, held a video conference with the State officials which included ADGs, Commissioners, IGs, DIGs, DMs, and SSPs.
He also asked the officials to reach out to religious preachers, practitioners, and maulvis in order to explain to them how the CAA isn't discriminatory on the basis of religion, caste or religion.
Protests in Universities across nation
Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) witnessed heavy clashes over the last few days over the CAA and the internet has been suspended in the region. The college authorities have closed the University till January 5.
Multiple protests have broken out across the country against the CAA, which allows non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to seek residence in India.
The protests have erupted in different regions in the country, including New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Kerala etc. In the national capital, the protests took a violent turn on Sunday evening, when the city police allegedly barged into the campus of Jamia Milia University, beating up students and entering the library, canteen, washroom, as well as the residential wings of both, girls and boys. Many of them were allegedly detained by the police on Sunday evening and were released only around 3:30 am on Monday after a huge crowd had gathered outside the Police headquarters.
PM Modi assures CAA not discriminatory
On Monday afternoon, PM Modi took to twitter to address the country on the issue and gave an assurance that the CAA had nothing to do with any citizen of India, irrespective of religion. He emphasised that the legislation was only aimed at helping persecuted individuals in other countries. Warning against rumours, he stressed that it was time to maintain peace and work together for the development of India.
The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed in the Parliament last Wednesday, after intense discussions in both Houses which went on for more than 10 hours. The government has repeatedly claimed that the Act is not discriminatory in nature and will not be of any threat to Muslims.
Updated 13:57 IST, December 17th 2019