READ THE CONSTITUTION

A group of schoolteachers decided to join the protest because the Citizenship (Amendment) Act is “unconstitutional” and the leaders rooting for it should “first read the Constitution”.

The teachers of Kolkata Public School, near Science City, said they wanted to voice their protest because the act was “discriminating” against one religion. “How can there be discrimination on the basis of religion? Our Constitution does not say that. We are educated people and they cannot make fools of us,” said Shamsher Alam, the vice-principal of the school.

The teachers came with posters that called for furnishing degrees if one had to produce documents.

Alam said India has been his country ever since he gained consciousness. “We have not seen Pakistan or Bangladesh. Our forefathers have always been here. What if some of our friends or those in the community have lost documents in a flood or a fire? Does that mean they cease to be Indians?” he asked.

The group has been following the nationwide protests keenly and felt it is time for them to act. “If not now, then when?” said teacher Aiysha Ramiza.

S.K. Dawood Hossein

Jayanta Chakrabarty

THERE ARE SO MANY ISSUES TO FOCUS ON

S.K. Dawood Hossein, 24, struggles to move around because of polio. But on Friday he walked 3km from his home in Topsia, with the help of crutches, to take part in the protest meeting against CAA and NRC at Park Circus Maidan.

“This government is trying to exterminate Muslims. So I decided to protest and came to the meeting overcoming my physical constraints,” said Dawood, who runs a small business near his home. “It was heart-warming to see that the communities are trying to protest the move collectively.”

Dawood was accompanied by a friend who carried a poster with the slogan “Ready to die, but not ready to accept CAB”. He wondered why the government was trying to drive a wedge between Hindus and Muslims who have co-existed peacefully in the country so far.

“There are so many issues to focus on, such as controlling price hike of basic amenities and bringing business to the country. Instead, the government is creating tension,” he said. “It was heart-warming to see that the communities are trying to protest the move collectively,” he said.

FOR MUSLIM BROTHERS

Jayanta Chakrabarty, 60, was there to register his protest against the law that discriminates against his “Muslim brothers”.

The usual evening walk outside his house in Bhowanipore changed course and ended at the Park Circus Maidan.

“The Partition divided our country on the basis of religion. But what is the need to divide the country again? In my area, there are so many Muslim families. I find them tensed and anxious now,” said Chakrabarty, who stays near Jadubabur Bazaar.

“The Modi government came to power on the development plank. Now, it is busy undoing all that was good. I am an apolitical person, but on this issue I will join whosoever leads the protest,” Chakrabarty said.