By Matters India reporter

Margao, Jan 25, 2020: Hundreds of people from various religions attended a protest meet organized by the Church against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the National Population register (NPR) in Margao, Goa’s commercial capital.

“It is our common conviction that these measures are unconstitutional and therefore, unacceptable. The government must listen to the voice of the people and withdraw the act,” Father Savio Fernandes, executive secretary of the Council of Social Justice and Peace, one of the organizers explained the purpose of the January 24 protest.

The Goa unit of the National Confederation for Human Rights and the Concerned Citizens for Democracy collaborated with the Church group.

Speakers were unanimous that the main purpose of the federal government in enacting the citizenship law was to divide the people of India. “We thank our government for helping us to come together as one family irrespective of our religion,” they said.

Father Fernandes aid the CAA and NRC are “literally shaking the foundations of India’s existence as a pluralistic, multi-faith society where all citizens are supposed to be equal before the law.”

The amended citizenship law, the priest added, would undermine the commitment to equality before the law enshrined in India’s constitution.

Many Catholic nuns joined the protest
People braved scorching sun to throng Margao’s Lohia Maidan with placards and chanting of pro-democracy slogans. They sat on verandas and terrace tops of nearby buildings. Women with little children spoke volumes about their response to this draconian bill.

Asked why she was participating in the meet, one Catholic nun said, “We are of the place. We will live here. If any of us have to go we will decide that and not the government.”

Oscar Rebello, a prominent citizen of Goa, said the government is out to protect God. “I may not believe in God but I believe in humanity. I only see a citizen here, no caste, no creed,” he added to the applause of the crowd.

Prabhakar Timble, an educationist, noted that the protests were done voluntarily by the youth and people. “The political leaders are not seen on stage.”

According Devasurabhi Yaduvanshi, a woman leader, the amendment is a game to prevent Dalits and Tribals from voting. “Vote share of the BJP will increase to 47 percent and will keep winning for next 50 years by means of these acts,” she added.

Muzaffar Shaikh, a Muslim social worker, said, “A small protest started from Margao has become big today and we will be on the streets until the law is repealed.”