In pictures: Clashes erupt in Delhi over citizenship law

Protests across New Delhi against the new citizenship law

NEW DELHI: More than 100 students protesting against a new Indian citizenship law were injured in New Delhi as they clashed with police who used tear gas and baton charges to disperse demonstrators at a major university.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government says the new law will save religious minorities such as Hindus and Christians from persecution in neighbouring Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan by offering them a path to Indian citizenship. But critics say the law, which does not make the same provision for Muslims, weakens India’s secular foundations.

A passenger bus burns during the clashes. PHOTO: REUTERS

A man runs past a burning bus during a protest against a new citizenship law, in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS

Students run for cover as smoke billows from a tear gas shell fired. PHOTO: REUTERS

Students clash with police during the protest. PHOTO: REUTERS

Demonstrators during the protest. PHOTO: REUTERS

Female Muslim students save a fellow student from police brutality. PHOTO: REUTERS

Students flip the bird during the protest. PHOTO: REUTERS

Students shout slogans during a protest against a new citizenship law. PHOTO: REUTERS

Demonstrators protest against citizenship law outside the police headquarters in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS

Demonstrators gathered outside police headquarters in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS

Police clash baton charge students amid a brutal crackdown. PHOTO: AFP

An injured man is shifted to a hospital after he was wounded during the protest. PHOTO: REUTERS

A man grimaces in pain after he was injured during a protest against a new citizenship law, in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS

Delhi Police chase away students during the protest. PHOTO: REUTERS

Police officers patrol past damaged motorcycles outside the Jamia Milia University following a protest against a new citizenship law, in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS

Students leave the Jamia Milia University following a protest against a new citizenship law. PHOTO: REUTERS

The shoes of demonstrators are seen scattered along the road as police patrol after a protest against a new citizenship law, in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS

Students of the Jamia Milia University cover their faces as they take shelter in a mosque following a protest against a new citizenship law, in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS

Students raising their hands leave the Jamia Milia University following a protest against a new citizenship law. PHOTO: REUTERS

A woman reacts after she was injured during a protest against a new citizenship law, in New Delhi. PHOTO: REUTERS