Shaheen Bagh: The Enduring Protest Against the Citizenship Act (CAA)

Introduction

The protest at Shaheen Bagh continues to be a prominent issue in India, where demonstrators gather daily to voice their opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Despite the government's efforts to suppress the movement, it has not only persisted but also gained international attention. This article explores the ongoing situation at Shaheen Bagh and the reasons for its sustained vitality.

Section 1: Unstoppable Protests

The government's attempt to suppress the protest through a 'Pogrom' in Delhi has failed, indicating that the movement is far from over. The demonstration is gaining momentum, evidenced by international bodies raising concerns over the CAA:

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has filed an intervention plea in the Supreme Court regarding the CAA. The British House of Commons has addressed the issue of the CAA and the Delhi riots. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has held a hearing focusing on India's new citizenship law. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed concern over the implementation of the Citizenship Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in India.

These developments suggest that the Shaheen Bagh protest is a significant and ongoing issue on the global stage.

Section 2: Ostrich-like False Assumptions

Those who believe that the Shaheen Bagh protest has subsided are as misguided as ostriches burying their heads in the sand. The movement is alive and well, persisting despite the government's attempts to quell it. The sustained protest indicates that the demonstrators are deeply committed to their cause and are not easily deterred.

Section 3: Motivations and Goals

The protesters at Shaheen Bagh have multifaceted motivations:

To defame India. To portray India as hostile to minorities. To instill fear in investors by creating political instability. To repeal the Citizenship Act (CAA). To carry out violent actions such as 'Gazwa-e-Hind'.

These goals suggest that the protesters are motivated by a range of political and social issues, and they are willing to engage in extreme actions to achieve them.

Section 4: Financial and Operational Aspects

The movement at Shaheen Bagh has received significant financial support, with estimates suggesting that approximately 500 crores (about $69 million) have been used to sustain the protest. This substantial sum has allowed the organizers to:

Pay protesters: Around 1500 to 2000 women sit in shifts, each earning 500 rupees per day. With 100 days of operation, the total amount spent on payments is approximately 225 million rupees. Provide food and other needs: The money has been used to ensure the basic sustenance of the protesters. Secure media attention: Efforts to garner international and local media coverage have been made to amplify the protest's message. Bomb gathering and migrant support: Resources have been devoted to collecting migrants, particularly Rohingya refugees, to swell the ranks and maintain support.

These expenditures demonstrate the extensive resources at the disposal of the protesters, enabling them to sustain their movement for an extended period.

Section 5: Escalating Tactics and Consequences

The tactics employed by the protest organizers have caused significant disruption, prompting the authorities to take action:

Killing several individuals, including Ankit Sharma and Ratanlal. Killing of business owners in the area, leading to financial distress for many. Attacking local shopkeepers to weaken their financial stability. Grappling with the backlash from the local community, who are becoming less sympathetic to the protesters' cause.

The protesters have celebrated the destruction of the local economy, but this has led to a backlash from the community, who are now less likely to support the protest.

Section 6: Exploitation of Symbols and Identity

The protesters have exploited symbols and identities to further their agenda:

Utilizing portraits of freedom fighters to foster an atmosphere of resistance. Displaying the Indian tricolour to assert national identity. Patronizing exaggerated claims such as 'Gazwa-e-Hind' to incite fear and create political tension.

These actions have not only failed to achieve their intended goals but have also hardened the resolve of those opposed to their methods.

Conclusion: The protest at Shaheen Bagh is an ongoing issue with deep political and social roots. The government's efforts to suppress the movement have failed, and the international community is becoming more aware of the issues at stake. The financial and operational infrastructures supporting the protest indicate its sustained vitality, while the backlash from the local community underlines the complex and evolving nature of the situation.