Violence erupted on the streets of New Delhi, mostly between Hindus and Muslims. At least 32 people have been killed, including a police officer, and about 200 people have been injured. India's capital became an epicenter of unrest after Parliament approved a controversial citizenship law in December. The legislation was backed by the Hindu nationalist party, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

The law fast-tracks Indian citizenship for some foreign-born religious minorities, but excludes Muslims. Protesters for and against the law blocked a major road on Saturday. The surge in violence continued as U.S. President Donald Trump visited India this week.

A local BJP leader, Kapil Mishra, threatened to mobilize a mob to clear out the protesters. "We will be peaceful till Trump leaves. After that, we won't listen to even you if the roads are not cleared."

Photos and videos on social media show mobs of Hindus and Muslims clashing in northeast Delhi. Some threw stones and crude gasoline bombs. 

One local resident Satish said, "The riots and arson that started in the morning (Tuesday), and the cars that were parked here were set on fire so people were not coming out of their houses because of fear. People living in the streets were so scared that they did not even sleep and most of the people are not stepping out of their houses."

Hindu mobs also vandalized local shops and a mosque. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds but have also been accused of allowing and even protecting Hindu mobs as they attacked Muslims. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted for peace three days after the violence broke out.

"Peace and harmony are central to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Delhi to maintain peace and brotherhood at all times. It is important that there is calm, and normalcy is restored at the earliest."

This is the deadliest violence New Delhi has seen in decades.