DELHI: In India, deadly violence against the Indian Muslim population has claimed at least 20 lives and injured over 150, as rioters unleashed a vicious rampage across several parts of Delhi, torching buildings and vehicles and attacking journalists.

Smoke rose into the sky when Hindu protesters set fruit and vegetable shops and a Muslim shrine on fire in the Bhajanpur area.

A mosque was also set on fire by a Hindu mob who shouted “Jai Shri Ram”, translated to “hail Lord Ram”.

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Yet fresh violence was reported from Muslim populated areas such as Karawal Nagar, Maujpur, Bhajanpura, Vijay Park and Yamuna Vihar, while stones were thrown in neighbourhoods such as Maujpur.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the deadly clashes between Hindus and Muslims in Indian capital New Delhi.

At the regular briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General’s Spokesman, Stephane Dujarric underscored the need for the Indian forces to show restraint and allow the protestors to demonstrate peacefully.

At least 20 people have so far been killed and a mosque also set on fire by Hindu mobs during protest demonstrations against the controversial citizenship law.

The US lawmakers have slammed violence against Muslims in the Indian capital New Delhi.

Reacting to the violence that has claimed at least twenty lives in the past couple of days, US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said the deadly surge in religious intolerance in India was horrifying.   

Congressman Alan Lowenthal said, “We must speak out in the face of threats to human rights in India.”  

Democratic Presidential Candidate and Senator Elizabeth Warren said violence against peaceful protesters was never acceptable.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib tweeted that we cannot be silent on the communal violence targeting Muslims in Delhi.

In a tweet, US Commission for International Religious Freedom said it was alarmed by reports of deadly mob violence targeting Muslims in New Delhi. It urged the Modi government to rein in the mob and protect religious minorities.

On Feb 23, the clashes erupted between those in favor of the citizenship amendment bill and those against it for its prejudice against Muslims.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has requested that the army should be called in to control the alarming situation.