Scores of citizens gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to mark the second anniversary of the Shaheen Bagh protests that took place in the national capital against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019.
The participants carried photographs, posters depicting Shaheen Bagh protests. Three women organisations Pragtisheel Mahila Sangathan, the National Federation for Women, and the Commission on the Status of Women also showed up at the venue to take part in the protest event.
The protesters said they have gathered to pay tribute to the courageous Muslim women of Shaheen Bagh and show resolve to revive the anti-CAA movement. “Apart from Jantar Mantar, the commemoration events were organised in 20 more cities across the country,” said Shabnam Hashmi, a prominent voice in Delhi’s civil society circles.
“Today, we are celebrating two years of Shaheen Bagh.” Former member of planning commission Syeda Hameed said she vividly remembers every bit of the protest movement. She asserted that there is a need for a united stand to fight against discrimation being meted out to Muslims.
Activists said they also demand repeal of black laws like UAPA that are being used to keep activists and voices of dissent behind bars.
Family members of political prisoners who are in jail in connection with cases over anti-CAA protests also attended the event. “I have come to Jantar Mantar today to protest for the release of my son.” said Noor Jahan, Mother of Jailed activist Athar, while talking to media.
Wife of incarcerated activist Khalid Saifi said that her husband is in jail for two years for raising voice against the discrimination that Muslims are facing in this country.
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