Delhi Police detain Bhim Army chief after 'massive protest' in Delhi's Jama Masjid

One person was killed in Lucknow while two others died in Mangalore after protests turned violent on December 19 (Thursday), reports The Indian Express. 

After a nine-day day shutdown, the Assam government has lifted the ban on mobile internet services after days of violent protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act raged on in the city. 

However, Mobile internet is still suspended in areas of Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. 

SMS services were suspended in many areas of Uttar Pradesh, including as Aligarh, Sambhal, and Azamgarh districts. 

The ban on assembly of four or more people has been in force in the entire state for several days.

Delhi police detain Chandrashekhar Azad

The head of Bhim Army has been detained outside the Jama Masjid in Delhi.

Bhim Army is an organization from Uttar Pradesh established by lawyer Chandrashekhar Azad and Vinay Ratan Singh back in 2015.

Protest in Hyderabad's Charminar 

People are protesting the citizenship act in front of Charminar in Hyderabad city. 

Bhim Army protest underway

Led by Chandrashekhar Azad, the Bhim Army's rally in Delhi's Jama Masjid has drawn a large crowd. Delhi police meanwhile have shut both the entry and exit gates of the metro stations at the Jama Masjid. The rally was not given a permit by the city's law enforcement.  

Smriti Irani calls for action against "violent elements"  

Union Minister Smriti Irani has told Indian media, "The citizenship act does not take away the rights of any citizen of India. People who are providing support to violent elements, I appeal to the state governments to take the strictest action against them". 

Delhi Mahila Congress chief along with 49 other women taken to Mandir Marg Police Station

Delhi Mahila Congress chief Sharmista Mukherjee, daughter of former president Pranab Mukherjee, was reportedly detained near Amit Shah's residence. Later, she was taken to Mandir Marg police station along with 49 other women protesting the act. 

Entry restricted to Mangalore

Police have been checking identity cards of those entering the city. At least 50 people have been taken into custody for travelling to the city without carrying their identity cards.

Security tightened in Delhi ahead of Bhim Army Rally

Commissioner of Delhi Police Alok Kumar has told the media, "Sufficient force has been deployed, including 10 companies of CRPF and RAF in the northeast district. We have held many rounds of meeting with locals and deployed drones, anti-riot gear to deal with any kind of situation." Even though they were denied permission, a Bhim Army Rally is scheduled to take place in the city to protest against the Citizenship Act.   

Bhim Army Chief has tweeted, "Please do not pay heed to rumours about my arrest. I am going to reach Jama Masjid." 

Schools close down in Bengaluru

Exams scheduled at universities in Bengaluru have been postponed, as all schools remained closed due to the protests. According to media reports, The Bengaluru Police have warned against "spreading rumours", saying "Think twice before posting on social media."  

Internet Suspended in Mangalore

The state government has cut off internet services in Mangalore for 48 hours, reports The Indian Express

West Bengal Remains Peaceful

After witnessing violence from December 13 to December 17, situation in Bengal on December 20 is peaceful, according to reports by the PTI. 

Kerala DGP asks Police to monitor Mangaluru violence, Police deny detaining Journalist

The Kerala DGP directed his top police officers to keep vigilance over the violence in Mangaluru after two people died in police firing on Friday, December 20. 

Police sources told PTI that protesters had attempted to lay siege to a police station and tried to attack police personnel, resulting in two persons receiving bullet injuries. 

After reports came that journalists were being arrested, Mangalore City Police Commissioner's office said, "No one has been detained yet. We are now checking the credentials of these journalists."

Assam CM Sonowal: No new person from Bangladesh will get citizenship

Assam Chief Minister Sonowal spoke to reporters, saying, " Through discussions, every difference can be solved. No new person will come from Bangladesh due to the citizenship law. The number of persons getting citizenship through the act in Assam will be negligible." 

He added that many took advantage of the democratic movement and carried out misinformation

Mobile services were restored in the state on Friday, after the Gauhati High Court had earlier directed the government to restore them, according to The Indian Express. 

Assam police urged the public to "please be wise in writing". 

Metro services resume in Delhi

In Delhi, metro services have resumed. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation posted on twitter that "The entry and exit gates at all stations have been opened."

Mobile internet, SMS suspended in Lucknow till Dec 21

SMS and Internet services of all mobile service providers will be suspended in Lucknow till December 21, according to the Uttar Pradesh. Other areas to come under the suspension include Sambhal, Aligarh, Mau, Ghaziabad and Azamgarh districts.