Afghan protesters decry persecution of Indian Muslims

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - Protesters took to the streets in various cities of Afghanistan on Friday against the oppression of Muslims in India.

The largest demonstration against the killing of Muslims in the recent New Delhi riots was held in the western Herat province that borders Iran.

A rally participant told Anadolu Agency the protesters burnt Indian flags and raised slogans against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while urging Muslims across the world to unite against the injustice.

Mujeeb Rehman Ansari, a prayer leader at a local mosque, led the demonstration.

Similar rallies were held in other major urban centers of Afghanistan, including a protest by a leftist party in the capital Kabul.

According to local media, over 50 people were killed in violent riots in India’s capital that started last week after clashes between pro- and anti-citizenship law protesters.

Police registered over 250 cases and arrested or detained over 900 people in connection with the violence.

India passed the controversial citizenship law last December.

The legislation grants citizenship to only non-Muslim religious minorities escaping persecution in three neighboring countries -- Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Since then, protests against the new law have been continuing across India.