Protests over the contentious amended Citizenship Act continued across the country, with the death toll in Uttar Pradesh touching 16 on Saturday. Widespread violence has been reported from several parts of the state, along with large scale vandalism and disruption of rail and road traffic.
One person died and several people were injured in clashes between anti-CAA protesters, who pelted stones and indulged in arson, and police in Rampur in UP, officials said. The Yatimkhana police post in Kanpur was reportedly set on fire by protesters, leading the police to use tear gas to chase them away.
As per reports, nearly 700 people have been arrested and 4,500 detained in the last two days over the violent clashes. Police said over 260 security personnel were injured.
The UP police also maintained that it did not open fire at protesters in the past two days of demonstrations, and that cross-firing had happened between protesters. They said protesters, including children, had pelted stones at them.
Internet services continue to remain suspended in many parts of the state, including the state capital Lucknow.
The Aligarh Muslim University campus also witnessed a spike in protests after teaching and non-teaching staff came together to oppose the CAA and police action against students.
(With inputs from PTI)
