India’s capital was rocked by the worst violence in decades as Hindu and Muslim groups clashed over a new immigration law.
At least 13 people were killed and more wounded in the clashes that began on Sunday and have continued into Tuesday. The fighting comes as President Trump makes his first presidential visit to the country and attends high-level meetings just miles away from the violence.
The unrest is in response to the Citizenship Amendment Act, which has been labeled as anti-Muslim by some in India. The CAA, which was passed last year, gives amnesty to immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as long as they are not Muslim.
Critics say the law is discriminatory for excluding Muslims, but the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contends it protects religious minorities from those countries.
There have been protests against the CAA since last year, but Delhi has seen the worst violence yet in recent days. On Tuesday, a mosque was vandalized, with a video showing men attempting to rip the crescent from its minaret. Both Hindus and Muslims have blamed the other side for starting the clashes.
“The situation is volatile and tense,” Alok Kumar, a senior police officer, told the New York Times. “It’s a mixed neighborhood, and in seconds you can have crowds of tens of thousands. Even a small thing can lead to violence.”
Muslim residents have accused Hindu police officers of being complicit in the violence and standing by without intervening while they were beaten by mobs. The rival groups have hurled stones at each other and were seen on video burning down buildings, including a tire shop.
Trump declined to comment about the controversial law when asked during his visit.
“I don’t want to discuss that. I want to leave that to India, and hopefully, they’re going to make the right decision for the people,” the president said.
