09 Jan 2020 | 02:28 AM UTC
India: Fresh anti-CAA protests scheduled nationwide January 9-12 /update 28
Anti-CAA activists schedule several nationwide demonstrations between January 9-12; heightened security presence and associated disruptions expected
Event
Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) activists are organizing demonstrations in several cities across India on Thursday, January 9, including the following locations (all times are local):
- In Bangalore (Karnataka) at 16:00 at the High Court of Karnataka
- In Bangalore (Karnataka) at 17:00 at the Town Hall
- In Delhi at 12:00 at Mandi House
- In Hyderabad (Telangana) at 11:00 at Osmania University
- In Mumbai (Maharashtra) at 15:00 at Mittal Ground
- In Pune (Maharashtra) at 17:30 at Gandhi Bhavan Ground
- In Ranchi (Jharkhand) at 15:00 at Jaistambh Chowk
On Friday, January 10, activists are planning another protest in Hyderabad (Telangana). Participants plan to gather at 12:45 at Mir Alam Eidgah. While on the same day in Kolkata (West Bengal), anti-CAA supporters are due to meet at 13:30 at Victoria House and then march to Gandhi Statue. Another demonstration is scheduled at 15:00 from Kaikhali Mor to Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Cahndra Bose International Airport (CCU).
Anti-CAA supporters also plan to gather in Goa's Vasco at 10:00 near the Municipal Building on Sunday, January 12.
A heightened security presence and disruptions to transportation, business, and telecommunications are to be expected around protest-affected areas over the coming days. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.
Context
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) seeks to provide citizenship to non-Muslim minorities fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. In conjunction with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), activists claim that it specifically seeks to target Indian Muslims. The NRC aims to identify illegal immigrants by requiring individuals to prove their citizenship based on specific documentation prior to a certain cut-off date. On November 20, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the NRC will be implemented nationwide. Opponents of the CAA argue that it isolates Muslim Indians by favoring all non-Muslim religious minorities who may fail to qualify for the NRC but will nonetheless be assured citizenship. The CAA has also received opposition - particularly in several northeastern states - due to fears that it will encourage an influx of immigrants that will affect the ethnic balance.
India's Supreme Court refused petitions to halt the implementation of the CAA on December 18. A hearing on the act has been scheduled for January 22. At least 27 people have been killed in clashes between police and protesters, and police officers have arrested several hundred demonstrators since December 11.
Advice
Individuals in India are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning, and prepare for widespread disruptions to transportation, business, and telecommunications in protest-affected areas. If a demonstration is organized without warning, individuals are advised to refrain from crossing roadblocks, take shelter in a safe place, and avoid taking pictures. Travelers should adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities (especially if curfews are enforced) and their home governments.
