Economist Podcasts Delhi melee: India’s citizenship protests
Feb 27, 2020
Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, and Sasha Nauta, the public policy editor, dive into the chaos of Delhi’s protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. They discuss the alarming violence escalating in the capital, the clash between Hindu-nationalism and India's secular ideals, and the critical implications for free speech in today’s digital landscape. They also touch on how the unrest is impacting trust in the government and the potential for profound societal change.
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Delhi Riots
- Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, a bill providing a path to citizenship for many faiths but excluding Muslims, turned violent in Delhi.
- Over 30 people died in the worst riots the city has seen since 1984.
Escalation of Violence
- The government and its supporters grew increasingly frustrated with peaceful sit-in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
- A local politician's provocative speech seemed to incite organized attacks on Muslim neighborhoods.
Police Response
- Police response to the Delhi riots was slow and inadequate, raising questions about their role in the violence.
- There's evidence suggesting police inaction and even encouragement of attacks against Muslims.