Nationwide protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act have gained momentum over the past four weeks and are showing no signs of slowing down. But the protests against the Act that has been dubbed as divisive by people from several walks of life are often portrayed as those being led by Muslim groups alone by the supporters as well as members of the ruling dispensation in India.
Amid such allegations, dozens of people thronged the Shaheen Bagh area on the Sarita Vihar-Kalindi Kunj road in South East Delhi to organise what is being called a ¡°Maha Path¡± to celebrate India¡¯s unity in diversity.?
Under the said programme, readings of major religious texts of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity are being carried out at the venue that has emerged as the strongest show of resistance against the contentious act.?
Notably, the protesters at Shaheen Bagh have maintained that their ¡°peaceful demonstrations¡± are founded on the core values of the Indian Constitution, foregrounding the deep-rooted principles of secularism, fraternity, unity and equality. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, according to its critics, violates all of these foundational values.?
At the melting pot of religious beliefs at Shaheen Bagh that kicked off at 11 AM on Sunday, people who practise several religions came together and recited verses from their scriptures.?
The maha-path began with the singing of the national anthem. With harmoniums, flutes and traditional musical instruments, people clung on to portraits of Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who is regarded as ¡°Father of the Indian Constitution¡± for his unparalleled role in giving it its full shape, and read out major verses from the holy books of their respective religions.?
This was done to promote and foster fraternity among people.?
The word "Fraternity" finds mention in the Preamble to the Constitution of India. It refers to a feeling of brotherhood and a sense of belongingness towards India among its people.
Braving the harsh winter chill, anti-CAA protests at Shaheen Bagh have continued in the harsh winter of Delhi. The demonstrators are demanding the withdrawal of the contentious legislation that has brought India at a standstill and sparked outrage across the country.?
Tens of thousands of people have taken part in protests against the citizenship law and more than 25 people have been killed so far.?The road where the protests take place is a key link between satellite city Noida and national capital New Delhi, and has been closed by the Noida Traffic Police in view of the ongoing protests.
The Shaheen Bagh women took over the road after clashes between police and students at nearby Jamia Millia Islamia university.?