The opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) continues with a massive chain organised in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. The members of various political parties, youths, religious and civil society organisations took part in large numbers in the anti-CAA movement. The people formed the chain from the Southernmost part of the main land, Kanyakumari to Kaliakkavilai, the town bordering Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The call for human chain was given by Kumari Peoples Unity Forum (KPUF) affiliated to Tamil Nadu Platform for Peoples’ Unity (TNPPU) as part of the sustained struggle against the CAA, National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR).
The human chain saw massive participation cutting across religious lines, claimed secretary of KPUF, Prof Nagarajan. “More than 50,000 people participated in the 58 km long human chain formed yesterday. We demand withdrawal of amendment made in the Citizenship Act and rollback of NRC and NPR. The united fight of the people cutting across religious beliefs will force the central government to withdraw from their current position.”
The Christian and Muslim population in the district form more than 50% of the total population and the apprehension about CAA, NRC and NPR is high. The participation of various jamaats and Christian organisations emphasised the plight of these communities owing to the CAA. The huge number of Hindu participants, on the other hand, instilled confidence among the organisers of the human chain.
“The most heartening part of the human chain is the massive participation of the people of Hindu beliefs. The three-pronged attack of CAA, NRC and NPR would severely affect not only the minorities, but people of all religions living in our country. It’s high time for us join our hands and ensure that the law is withdrawn,” Prof Nagarajan added.
The passing of resolution in the state Assembly was another important demand put forth by the protesters. “Many state governments have passed resolutions in their respective Assemblies against the CAA—refusing implementation of NRC and NPR. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government should also follow the examples set by the neighbours Kerala and Puducherry,” said Prof Nagarajan.
The leaders and representatives of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi were also part of this chain.
Despite the wide-scale opposition from across the state, chief minister and his Cabinet colleagues maintain that CAA, NRC and NPR won’t affect any minorities in the state. The 11 members of the AIADMK in Rajya sabha were instrumental in passing the amendment made in the Citizenship Act.
