The protests against the Modi government’s citizenship laws are throwing up images in which stereotypes are being shattered. Maulanas and clerics are not leaders here; instead, youth and home-makers are. These are not “Muslim” mobilisations as earlier seen against Salman Rushdie, triple talaq or Taslima Nasrin. Instead, this new inclusive movement is one where Bhim Army’s Chandrashekhar Azad — and not the Shahi Imam — has addressed crowds at Jama Masjid. Students and citizens from all communities have joined in raising the non-denominational slogan — azaadi.
Protesters make a crucial argument: given the foundational constitutional principle of all religions being equal before the law, India’s Parliament cannot, in the 21st century, insert religious discrimination into any legislation.
It’s a protest armed with Read More
