the goan I network
PANAJI
A large crowd at the Azad Maiden to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was vociferous in their demand for immediate withdrawal of the controversial Act and also, the National Registration of Citizens (NRC), terming it as anti-constitutional.
Former IAS officer Arvind Bhatikar termed the CAA as direct assault on the Constitution of India.
He said that the BJP has never got more than 40 percent of the total votes and, therefore, has no right to impose such a draconian law on the people.
Stating that the act will change the secular character of the Constitution, Bhatikar hoped that the Supreme Court would quash the Bill as well as the Act and expose the betrayal of the nation by dividing people on religious lines.
He said the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the MPs are the culprits who have violated the constitution. “Constitution should be implemented in word and spirit.”
Anwar Sheikh, a protester, said that India has a culture of inclusiveness and that CAA
was a blow to the secular fabric of the country. While another protester, Asif Hussain, said diversity is the uniqueness of the country and CAA is anti-constitution, anti-women, anti-tribal and anti-people.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Valmiki Nayak said that besides being anti-Muslim, the CAA is also anti-Hindu. Alleging that BJP is misusing Hinduism for political gains, he said that CAA defies the major teaching of Hinduism such as whole world is one family. He said that Pakistan Hindu Council has rejected the bill with a comment that bill is just for political gains.
Journalist Sandesh Prabhudesai said that divisive politics will never be successful in Goa.
Freedom Fighter Nagesh Karmali said this nation is for the people and not for any particular religion, adding that in the last 72 years not a single law based on religion has been enacted in this country.
Oscar Rebello said that humanity is the only religion and CAA is the humanity issue and not only an issue of Muslims. He said that it was wrong on part of civil society which has not raised voice against the suffering of the thousands of people in the detention centres in Assam.
He said that leaders should not think only of 5000 years back into history but look forward to lead India.
Claude Alvares said this country is ours and nobody can throw us out from the country.
Elvis Gomes said there is no freedom in the regime of BJP government.
Artist, writers, singers came in support
Around 20 artists across India who were in Goa to attend serendipity arts festival came in support of movement against CAB.
“We artists, writers, singers all are here in solidarity for you people who are against CAB,” said famous artist Ram Rahman. Students and women were present in high numbers for the protest.
