Kolkata: The dharnas against controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizen (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) are in place in Kolkata. The protesters are in the lookout for newer ways to make the Narendra Modi led central government hear their voices. They have vowed to not budge a ‘millimeter’ till the government is forced to do what the ‘people of India’ wants.
However, amid all, some moment of rejoice for those who have been hitting the streets, participating in sit-ins or running other campaigns to make the collective voice of India – which is against NRC, NPR and CAA, heard by the elected representatives of India.
On Monday, the West Bengal Government, headed by Mamata Banerjee passed anti-CAA resolution, demanding the repealing of the contentious Act. Banerjee, while passing the resolution, even called the act to be against “constitution and humanity’. She demanded the repealing of NPR, which according to gazette issued by the central government is all set to be executed in different parts of India from April 1, 2020. The government has asked the states to complete the exercise by September 2020.
The WB government’s move to pass a resolution against the controversial law comes after the states like Kerela, Rajasthan and Punjab passed a similar resolution.
Reacting to the resolution passed by the Mamata government, Prasenjit Bose, Convenor, Joint Forum Against NRC told eNewsroom, “This is a good move and we are glad that Mamata Banerjee has not only passed a resolution against the controversial law but has asked for CAA, NRC and NPR to be repealed. However, we will still need to observant and keep a vigil, to see if whatever has been said in the State Assembly is delivered at the ground level.” The Forum happens to be one of the most active anti-NRC/NPR/CAA group, which has been working at the grounds in Bengal ever since the final NRC list of Assam was published.
Also expressing gratitude to the state government was Professor Samirul Islam, President Bangla Sanskriti Mancha. He, however, reminded, “We are glad and thankful to our CM for passing this resolution. But we are also aware of the fact that these matters are governed by the centre.
Nevertheless, the resolution gives a message that the state is not a party with them in having these anti-human laws implemented.” He added, “We will continue mobilising the massing at the remote areas of Bengal. We are extensively working in Birbhum and Malda.
Bose, has also assured the Forum will continue to raise awareness at the ground level.
