Delhi violence: US urges India to 'protect and respect' right to peaceful assembly

The US has urged India to "protect and respect" the right to peaceful assembly of people and hold accountable those perpetrating violence following the Delhi riots over the amended citizenship act, saying that Washington has raised the issue at the highest level with New Delhi.

The Comments came as Delhi this week witnessed worst riots in more than three decades, killing 38 people and injuring 200 others.The communal clashes began in northeast Delhi over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and spiralled into bloodshed.

The Indian Parliament had passed CAA last year, resulting in a series of protests across the country.

According to the CAA, members of the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 following religious persecution there will get Indian citizenship.

The Indian government has been emphasising that the new law will not deny citizenship rights, but it has been brought to protect the oppressed minorities of neighbouring countries and give them citizenship.

We strongly condemn the recent violence and urge authorities to protect and respect the right of peaceful assembly and hold accountable those perpetrating violence. We call on all parties to maintain peace and refrain from violence, a State Department spokesperson told PTI.

We have raised these issues at the highest levels and continue to engage the Government of India on issues related to religious freedom, the official said responding to a question.

Underlining that respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law are fundamental principles of the two democracies, the official said,We note Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for peace and the Indian government's pledge to prevent further violence and restore normalcy."