Modi urges peace as death toll rises to 20 in Delhi clashes

The death toll from clashes over a new citizenship law in New Delhi, the deadliest violence the Indian capital has seen in decades, on Wednesday rose to 20.

The clashes which started on Sunday, reached its peak on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump landed in New Delhi to hold talks with Indian leaders.

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The confrontations between supporters and opponents of the law soon developed into violent attacks on each other by Hindu and Muslim communities in pockets of North-East Delhi, areas with a large Muslim population.

According to the Medical Superintendent of the main regional Guru Teg Bahadur hospital, said that out of the 209 people that were brought to the hospital, 189 were injured while 20 were confirmed dead.

“The injuries range from gunshots, to stabs, to jumping from heights to escape rioters. There are all kinds of injuries,” the superintendent said.

However, about 40 policemen were among the injured who were rushed to the hospital.

The new law fast-tracks citizenship for religious minorities from neighbouring Muslim-majority countries, but excludes Muslims from the list.

However, its critics said it discriminated against the India’s Muslim minority.

According to the police, gunshots, stone-throwing between rival groups, arson and vandalism saw its worst spell since the wake of the violence.

Meanwhile, the worse hit areas remained tense on Wednesday with police and paramilitary on ground.

India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, the top decision making body on matters related to the country’s security, was due to meet on Wednesday to discuss steps to put an end to the violence.