Allahabad witnesses repeat of Shaheen Bagh protest over CAA and NRC

ALLAHABAD: The scene of protesters of different religions swarming at New Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh etch a unique picture in one’s mind: one of a country united against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) against all odds.
Several kilometres away from the national capital, there is a 5000-strong crowd in Manzoor Ali Park of Roshanbagh locality in Allahabad has been setting a similar example by continuing to protest against the new citizenship law since the last four days.
Here the burqas and hijabs mix in seamlessly with the ghunghat of saris as do posters of freedom fighters like Babasaheb Ambedlkar and Ashfaqullah Khan.
The women of Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh have shot to limelight for staging peaceful protests since December 15 against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens. A crowd of thousands has attracted nationwide attention, with help pouring in from all corners.
The mass agitation, which commenced on Sunday noon, is now thronged by men and women from different religious communities every day. Political leaders and members of outfits like Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha and All India Student Association have also been dropping in to boost the crowd’s morale.
The narrow entrance of the Manzoor Ali Park is manned by two youths. The venue has been divided into two sections for men and women. Plastic sheets cover the ground and a canopy shields the protesters from the rain and dew, as many of them stay at the venue even during the night. However, over the past few days the biting cold has done little to deter these citizens.
School student Samra doesn’t mind skipping a study session or two for her upcoming class 10 exams and protest instead. Joined by classmates Zoya and Samreen, the 16-year-old says, “Why are they asking us for identification papers? Why should I have to prove that I am an Indian even after living in this country for so many years?”
Another protestor Rehana Khan said, “Our constitution never discriminates on the basis on religion and caste. However, this government is now behaving like Hitler.”
A few metres away, a team of four paramedics has set up a medical camp to look after anyone who might fall sick during the protest.
“As many of the protesters have been staying at nights too, there were many complaints of fever, cough and cold. Hence, we decided to set up a makeshift clinic to treat people for free,” said Dr Mohsin Ansari, who leads the team of medicos.
However, the city’s humanity doesn’t stop surprising. One could spot several people distributing snacks, biscuits, coffee, tea and water among the protesters to keep their energised.
Many of the protesters can be seen holding placards, handmade posters, while shouting slogans against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens.
A plethora of leaders and community members addressing the audience from a mic installed on a makeshift stage ensure that the crowd’s enthusiasm doesn’t ebb.
“The dharna started with just a handful of protesters, but their number has now grown by thousands. At the same time, there is nothing political about this peaceful protest,” said Samjawadi Party leader Richa Singh.
Shiva, a postgraduate students from Lucknow University, said, “These policies are against citizens’ welfare as the government is trying to divide the society on the basis of religion.”
Well into her 60s, Gayatri Ganguli didn’t let her old age keep her from the protest. “I am to express my solidarity with the Muslim community as policies like the CAA and NRC are bound to divide the society. Just look at the energy of these youths. This drive should have been channelised for the development of the nation.”
Homemaker Deeba Farah is not worried about herself, but those who are not so fortunate. “I can present my documents, but what about my domestic help who does not even has an Aadhaar or a ration card?” she questioned.
“The government should come and see for themselves how people from all walks of life are protesting against the CAA and NRC,” said one of the organisers while keeping a watch at the entrance.
Even though the protest has been peaceful till now, the organisers are apprehensive and have been keeping a close watch on those entering and leaving the park. Even journalists and cameramen were asked to produce identity cards a number of times before being allowed to enter the venue.
Meanwhile, police have registered an FIR against more than 200 protesters, including 39 named protesters, for defying section 144 of the CrPc and protesting.
SSP (Allahabad) Satyarth Aniruddha Pankaj said, “Although we have registered a case against number of protesters, we have not arrested anyone.”