Protest against CAA-NRC-NPR is increasing in numbers as well as in volumes across the length and breadth of the country. The solidarity of people towards the students of Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University is pouring in from the entire county. The determination of protestors at Jamia and Shaheen Bagh has made both these places the epicentre of protests and women of Shaheen Bagh are winning applause even internationally.
People are now fed up of divisive Hindu-Muslim rhetoric and that is why it has now become a people’s movement. But how long will these protests remain peaceful is the big question? People in Delhi or elsewhere are apprehensive that campaign for and against CAA and NRC may lead to confrontation and provocation and thereby may threaten peace and tranquillity. It is also believed that some may even try to exploit this situation to foment trouble during high-pitch election campaign trail in Delhi to polarise the sentiments on the issue.
Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, Chairman Delhi Minority Commission, while speaking to Radiance, said, “In our Peace Committees there are 250 members and I have written letters to all these members to be vigilant and try to stop if there is any violence or riots and if it takes place then they all should try to help (defuse it). I have also written that if there is any kind of protest, it should be peaceful and there should be no violence of any kind. I have issued the letters to all through the Minority Commission a couple of days ago. Peace Committees are in regular touch with all police stations in Delhi.”
DMC Chairman also said, “RWAs have also formed their own peace committees. All peace activists, NGOs dealing with peace, Aman Committees and RWAs should remain alert in their areas. During election campaign it is expected that there could be more trouble. BJP may try to polarise the sentiments during the campaign. People should remain alert and vigilant now and also during election time. All those who are supposed to work for peace and communal harmony and have been assigned to do so should be more active.”
On the question of what should be the people’s role, the DMC Chairman said, “People should protest peacefully as long as the issue in not resolved. We have the example of Hong Kong protest for months where they now protest on Sunday; so protest should continue but peacefully and democratically. The government thinks that people may get tired after some days and eventually protests would end gradually. Therefore protests should be continuous and also in a phased manner just to keep the momentum going. The Citizenship issue is a very big issue and therefore it should be solved. It is an issue of every household, every individual and certainly not only the issue of Muslims but also of all non-Muslims. Supposedly if a non-Muslim does not have papers, he will also have to face a lot of problems; so, it is not only the issue of Muslims.”
Some pro-CAA rallies are also being organised these days. We are aware of the level of sloganeering, use of abusive languages, slanderous remark and provocative speeches. Confrontation between Centre and states also cannot be ruled out because some states have shown serious reservation against CAA and NRC. Kerala has already passed a resolution demanding scrapping of CAA and the Chief Minister of Kerala has asked 11 Chief Ministers to pass resolution in their sates against CAA. The Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal has already said there is no requirement of CAA and the entire country should reject it. On the contrary the BJP has planned massive outreach campaign in favour of CAA and the home minister Amit Shah has categorically said he will not backtrack an inch on CAA. On 4 January there was a pro-rally in Guwahati and an anti-CAA Million march in Hyderabad. It is also expected that in the same city or town there could also be pro and anti rallies and then there could maximum chance of confrontation.
Prof. Nusratullah Khan, President RWA Abul Fazl Enclave (Blocks A to D) told Radiance, “I can say on the basis of my experience that peace and tranquillity is a subject of the government and the situation remains as per the wishes of the government. Instead of issuing notification to console or pacify anti-CAA protestors the government is itself encouraging and organising pro-move protests then there is most likely confrontation may erupt and this would be a deliberate confrontation. And if such is the situation, we should make every effort to maintain peace and harmony.”
Dr. M.D Thomas, Founder Director, Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, told Radiance, “There is no doubt that the situation is tense and it may escalate further as we move from here onwards. We can see people protesting in large numbers and also efforts are on to suppress these protests. Keeping in mind the present atmosphere a peace campaign should be launched to explain the real purpose of these protests and the dangers of the CAA and NRC.”
People should be encouraged to come forward to maintain peace. People can protest for or against but peace should prevail everywhere. Apart from the pro and anti protest movements a third campaign should be launched to ensure that peace prevails. The peace campaign should have members of all faiths because this is not an issue against Muslims but an issue of citizenship and above all it is an issue of the nation; therefore, it should concern one and all.
However, JIH Vice President, S Ameenul Hasan, while speaking to Radiance, said, “It is the duty of law enforcing agencies to maintain law and order whether the protest is for or against because in a democratic country both have right to protests. They should provide opportunity where people can say what they want in favour or against. The pro-CAA protestors are using very abusive languages. The uncivilised slogans should be stopped and it is the duty of government machinery to maintain law and order.”
Notably, women protestors have made a historic mark during protests outside Jamia, AMU, Shaheen Bagh and elsewhere in the country. The role will be written in silver lining in the annals of history of protest in India. Their courage and determination have provided a solid foundation, rhythm and energy for the ongoing protests against CAA-NRC-NRP. Women actors, artists, activists and housewives, young and old are playing an instrumental role to safeguard the Constitution.
Dr. Sharnas Muthu, General Secretary, Women’s Manifesto, told Radiance, “We the people of India must resist any move to underestimate our Constitution even if it is from the government. Resistance should be non-violent, efforts to keep the issue live (should be made). It is possible through various forms which will not allow the government to divert the attention of public. Every citizen of the country can be part of this movement, dedicating his/her time and talent for this social course. In this digital world, most popular and cheaper platforms is using digital platforms. A set of template messages can be developed and sent to all ministers and officials to remind them daily. Templates can be shared and sent to them every day to different officials. This can be sent to all government departments and contact (details) given in all government notifications, advertisements, etc.
“Actors, writers, singers, etc. must start and end their programmes with a message to withdraw CAA and NRC. Every citizen must carry placards with “Withdraw CAA, Protect Constitution” and display it at all public places and events. Hunger strike, silent march, candle march can be conducted at public places without mass gathering but by several people together. Boycott products and services of those companies who are supporting CAA and NRC,” said Sharnas.