City
Epaper

Indian-Americans stage more anti-CAA protests

By IANS | Updated: December 30, 2019 11:10 IST

For the third time in nine days, Indian-Americans protested against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act outside the Embassy of India here, alleging that the new law was an "affront to Indias secular Constitution".

Open in App

The protest on Saturday in front of the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue across the Embassy, was organized by a group of Indian-Americans from the area, reports The American Bazaar.

The roughly 150 people that protested in Washington included many students and young professionals.

"I'm an Indian citizen and I grew up in India - I've always been proud of the fact that India is a democracy and a secular country." said Niki Naik, who is currently working in Washington.

"Hearing about what's going on back home, I felt a sense of helplessness and not being able to do much and not being there."

"Were trying to raise awareness among people our age, trying to use social media to its best use and make people aware of the actions that were taking," said Malvika Shankar. "I think the best way to show people we care is to come and just be active and be present in the moment."

Kaleem Kawaja, President of the Association of Indian Muslims of North America, said he was encouraged by the reactions from the local Indian-American community, The American Bazaar reported.

Kawaja, who was one of the organizers of a similar protest at the same location on December 22, which attracted more than 500 people, said: "People are not talking about religion, they are not talking about religious differences.

"They want to preserve India's constitution."

Also on Sunday, a group of Indian-Americans protested against the controversial Act in Times Square, New York.

The CAA, which was enacted on December 12, provides citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014.

Violent protests have erupted all across India against the controversial Act.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: indiawashingtonMahatma Gandhi
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalJammu on High Alert: CM Omar Abdullah Urges Citizens to Stay Indoors as Union Territory Faces Blackout Amid Attacks

MumbaiMumbai ATC Faces Heavy Load as International Flights Reroute Amid Pakistan Airspace Closure

NationalOver 100 Flights Cancelled at Delhi Airport Due to Airspace and Security Issues: Reports

NationalBSF Foils Major Infiltration Attempt, Kills 7 JeM Terrorists at Samba Border Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan (Watch Video)

TechnologyWhat is the 'Dance of the Hillary' Virus? All You Need to Know About the Pakistan-Linked Cyber Attack Targeting Indians

International Realted Stories

International"Our doctrine now is tit for tat and we will keep hitting unless you reform", Foreign Expert hails India's response to Pakistan

InternationalChina backs terror, most hypocritical country: Former DGP SP Vaid

InternationalSikyong Penpa Tsering secures US backing against China's crackdown on Tibet

InternationalAlbania to hold parliamentary elections today

InternationalRosh Hanikra reopens after 18-month closure