Pics: Justin D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Dec 17: Muslim organizations held mass protests in front of deputy commissioner’s office here against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Tuesday, December 17.

Well known columnist Shivasunder addressing protesters said that this is the campaign to protect the soul of the country. “The bill is an attack on the Constitution which is the soul of the country. It has targeted Muslims, but we are not alone in the fight. They do not have right to speak about moral politics. National Register of Citizens (NRC) was passed in Assam after obtaining votes from everybody. Citizenship in the country is given so far on the basis of birth and not on the basis of religion. Only 58% people in the country have birth records and the remaining 42% people have no birth certificate. India has started to divide and rule the country like in Israel.

“According to the current situation, Muslims are not residents and Hindus are original residents in the country. It is ironic that Muslims are stabbed straight in the front and Hindus are stabbed at the back. NRC and CAA are directly linked. This is another freedom struggle. BJP is into conspiracy to snatch the citizenship of the voters of opposition parties. NRC and CAA are discriminatory. While other religions have exemption, Muslims are not exempted,” he said.

Yasin Malpe, district president, Muslim Okkoota said, “The Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking away freedom from the lives of Muslims. Caste discrimination still exists. India is not a caste based country. It has given citizenship to all who were born in the country. Today's government is treating Muslim freedom fighters as second division civilians. It is creating gap between all religions.

“The union government is targeting only Muslims. It is working in favour of Hindutva and Hindutva based thinkers. What was the necessity of implementing this Act in such a hurry?

“PM Modi failed to realise his promises that he made before coming to power. He is dividing the nation in the name of religion. While observing today's phenomenon in politics, its own allies are going away from the BJP,” he said.

Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said, “We are pressurising the union government to withdraw CAA. Modi and Amith Shah are acting like Bhasmasura. It shows that, they are about to lose administration in the country. Our democracy has the power to suppress such evil power.”

Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, “There is a need to protect Indian Constitution. Let us get united for that. If Supreme Court is alive, it should withdraw CAA and throw it to Arabian Sea.

“If anybody asks me to prove my citizenship, I will not do it,” he said challenging the government.

Congress leaders U R Sabhapathi, Veronica Cornelio, Amrith Shenoy, district Muslim union president; Yasin Kodibengre, Balakrishna Shetty, Komu Sauharda Vedike; G Rajashekar, SDPI, PFI, SIO, International Christian Federation members and others were present.

Thousands of protesters shouted slogans against the union government and citizenship amendment bill. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the president through the deputy commissioner.

Tight security was provided to the DC office in view of the protests.