Addressing the Human Rights Council, Michelle Bachelet, the high commissioner for human rights, appealed to the Indian leaders to take steps to prevent violence. "In India more broadly, the Citizenship Amendment Act adopted last December is of great concern," she told the 47-member Geneva-based Council.

"Indians in huge numbers, and from all communities, have expressed in a mostly peaceful manner, their opposition to the Act, and support for the country's long tradition of secularism," Ms Bachelet added. The high commissioner expressed concern over reports of police "inaction" in the face of attacks against Muslims by Hindu groups.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2020