Two protesters have been killed in police firing during protests in Karnataka Mangaluru. The victims, Jaleel (49) and Nauseen (23), had suffered bullet injuries when police opened fire to quell the violent protests against recent amendment in Citizenship Act.

The incident took place as the protests turned violent with demonstrators hurling stones at police personnel leading to lathicharge and firing.

Mangalore Police Commissioner Dr Harsha has confirmed the deaths.

"Tragic news in Mangaluru. Two people have died in police firing and two are supposedly critically injured. The BJP is directly responsible for breakdown of law and order. The statements and actions of the BJP govt & its leaders is creating an unnecessary provocative environment," Karnataka Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao tweeted.

Tragic news in Mangaluru.



Two people have died in police firing and two are supposedly critically injured.



The BJP is directly responsible for breakdown of law & order.



The statements and actions of the BJP govt & its leaders is creating an unnecessary provocative environment. — / Dinesh Gundu Rao (@dineshgrao) December 19, 2019

Protesters hit the streets, defying prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC that bans assembly of more than four people.

Some of the protesters were holding placards which read withdraw CAA and NRC’ and CAA is against constitution’.

With stones being hurled, police made a lathicharge to disperse the protesters, police said.

Protesters donning helmets were seen hurling stones at policemen. Shops in the area were shut. There was no traffic movement.

Security has been beefed up at the deputy commissioner’s office and other areas of Mangaluru city to avoid untoward incidents.

Section 144, which was imposed from Thursday morning, will be in force till December 21 midnight. Quick reaction team has also been deployed in the city, sources said.

Police officials are also monitoring the social media over spreading of rumours and demanding people and students to gather in large numbers to stage protests.

Strict action will be taken by holding groups admins responsible in case such messages are continued to be spread, police said.