In pictures: Assam erupts in protest against Citizenship Bill

SUMMARY

Rajya Sabha approved Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday granting citizenship to non-Muslims who migrated illegally from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Critics of the government said the legislation undermines the country's secular constitution, as protests against the law intensified in some parts of the country. Protesters say they oppose the legislation out of concern that migrants who came to the country illegally will move to the border region in the northeast and dilute the culture and political sway of indigenous tribal people.

By APDec 12, 2019 8:28:12 AM IST (Published)

A protester shouts slogans near fire set on a road during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Protesters shout slogans against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Police use water cannon to disperse protestors gathered against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Protesters shout slogans against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Protesters shout slogans against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Protesters argue with police as they demonstrate against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Protesters shout slogans against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

A demonstrator begs a police officer to allow them to proceed ahead during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

A bus stand in flames after demonstrators set it on fire as they protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Security officers face demonstrators during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

A policeman restrains a demonstrator protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Demonstrators stand beside a television reporter, center, who was injured when police charged at protestors in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Demonstrators build a fence during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

A poleceman fires in the air during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

A demonstrators helps build a barricade during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Protestors throw stones at security officers during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Demonstrators shout slogans as they are detained during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, Assam, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Indians participate in a torch light procession to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, India, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Indians participate in a torch light procession to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, India, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

An Indian tribal woman carries a child as she participates in a torch light procession to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Gauhati, India, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)