Members of citizen group Axom Nagarik Samaj on Thursday formed a human chain in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi, who died on this day in 1948, in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment Act and to “save the Constitution”.

The protesters said the human chain and lighting of candles was an attempt to invoke the ideals of Gandhi and convey the message that the constitutional value of fraternity should be upheld.

Over 500 people formed the human chain at Dighalipukhuri here, according to the organisers, who marched for nearly a kilometre holding candles and raising slogans like “Save democracy and Save Constitution”.

Senior advocate Arup Borbora said, “India witnessed a unique celebration of Republic Day this time. Besides hoisting the Tricolour and singing the National Anthem, millions of ordinary people all over the country also read the Preamble to the Constitution because the BJP government at the Centre is systematically trying to erode its basic ideals. This protest is a bold campaign to counter the divisive polices and actions of the government. We will protest until the divisive CAA is scrapped.”

“There has been a spontaneous upsurge of people, mostly youths and students all over the country against CAA. A pan-India initiative to build a coordination among all the protesting organisations has been initiated by some eminent statesmen and public figures in the form of We The People. The Samaj organised the human chain as part of the movement,” said Samaj general secretary Paresh Malakar.

Samaj vice-president Prasanta Rajguru, CPM leader Hemen Das and AAMSU adviser Azizur Rahman, among others, participated.

Senior journalist Haider Hussain said, “The identity, culture, language and demography of Assam are all at stake. We have to fight it in all manners. Peaceful protests must go on and the unconstitutional act must be scrapped.”

Journalist Ranen Kumar Goswami said, “Gandhi was the epitome and icon of non-violent protest. Our protest is against the legislative misadventure and a communal law in a non-violent manner. We reaffirm our faith in the Constitution.”

On Republic Day, the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala had formed a 620-km human chain to protest against the law that determines citizenship on the basis of religion.