Seven dead, 90 injured in New Delhi clashes ahead of Trump’s arrival

At least nine people, including one police officer, have been killed in two days of violent clashes in the Indian capital between hundreds of supporters and opponents of a new law that fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from select countries.

The unrest erupted in parts of New Delhi on Monday, several hours ahead of the arrival of US President Donald Trump, who is in India on a state visit.

Policemen stand in front of vandalised shops in New Delhi following clashes over a new citizenship law on February 24.

Police deployed tear gas in affected areas, as protesters hurled stones and set numerous vehicles and a gasoline pump on fire, according to police. The violence took place in East Delhi, approximately 11 miles from where Trump is holding talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday.

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s highest elected official, tweeted that the violence was “very distressing” and requested that “peace and harmony” be restored.

As of Tuesday, 124 people were in hospital with various blunt force and bullet injuries, according to Dr Rajesh Kalra, an official at East Delhi’s Guru Tej Bahadur Hospital. Nine people have been declared dead, including a police officer who died from a bullet injury to the head.