Police Arrest Protesters Amid Curfew In Northeast

Dozens of protesters have been arrested by police in India’s northern Assam state.

Thousands of people have been protesting against legislation that grants non-Muslims citizenship who migrate from neighboring countries.

The protest which defied the curfew in Gauhati, burnt tires before police were able to disperse the protesters with tear gas and batons.

Prime minister Narendra Modi called for peace and tweeted “I want to assure them – no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow”.

Several opposition lawmakers who debated the bill in Parliament said it would be challenged in court.

In the meantime India is constructing a detention centre that will house the tens of thousands the courts are expected to find came to the country illegally.