Post the coronavirus outbreak, the Bhiwandi Shaheen Bagh, an offshoot of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protest that began at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi, has decided to continue their protest against the CAA, the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) albeit in smaller numbers as a precautionary measure.
Yesterday, the administration of the women-led protest, the Samvidhaan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti Bhiwandi, posted a statement on its official Twitter handle saying that the Thane district protest would continue, but the women wouldn’t gather in large numbers. It went on to say that there would be only five healthy women who would protest continuously against the CAA-NPR-NRC till March 31, 2020.
Requesting everyone to stay safe, they said that the decision was taken in the health of public health and the protest would be rescheduled as per earlier protocols later.
We Decided ShaheenBagh Thane District Protest will be continue but we won’t gather in large numbers, there will be only 5 healthy women who’ll protest Continuously against CAA-NRC-NPR till 31st March 2020. Later on protest wil be reschedule as per earlier protocols. pic.twitter.com/qbHktzvMmM
— Shaheen Bagh Bhiwandi (@ShaheenBaghBWD) March 19, 2020
The Bhiwandi Shaheen Bagh movement has been going on for the past 48 days and the 24×7 protest would be made periodical from 5 PM to 9 PM every day to ensure the safety of the people.
24×7 protest agnst CAA, NRC & NPR at #ShaheenBaghBhiwandi will b made priodical, frm evning 5pm to 9pm, daily 2 avoid the spread of #coronavirus The motive behnd dis is 2 keep the pepl safe frm dis virus & also to continue the protest against the black law, in this crucial time. pic.twitter.com/1bIstaRPyS
— Shaheen Bagh Bhiwandi (@ShaheenBaghBWD) March 17, 2020
The organizers of the protest said that they respected government orders of closing schools, malls, madrasas, other congregations and avoiding crowded places and hence decided to postpone the 24×7 protest, but continue it in a symbolic manner until further orders on public safety by the government.
ABP Marathi reported that the women at the Bhiwandi Shaheen Bagh said that they would take precautionary measures like wearing masks at all times and maintain personal hygiene, which is already a part of their namaz routine. Though the protestors said they would continue the protest without the fear of the coronavirus, they would take ensure their own safety and make sure medical attention is at hand.
The government of Maharashtra invoked the Disaster Management Act here after the state reported the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases and the disease resulted in the death of one.
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