Candles in hand, a group of people walked silently through the lanes of Kidderpore after midnight Mass to show solidarity with neighbours who feel threatened and insecure because of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
The walk from St Ignatius Church, Ekbalpore, to Loyola Primary School was short but the message was strong. No placards, no slogans, just a quiet assurance of “standing together”.
“The walk was in solidarity with those who are feeling threatened and insecure because of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. It is also in solidarity with all those who are concerned about peace, unity and stability in the country. The need of the hour is to remain secular and not be constrained by narrow community feelings which exclude people or discriminate,” said Father Rodney Borneo, the principal of Loyola High School.
The silent march was an impromptu decision taken by some worshippers after the service.
“It was a spontaneous show of solidarity. The people who were present said they must do something to share with the world the good news of Christmas and that Jesus is for all who stand for peace. People felt that we as Christians should walk to show that we stand with the people who are facing fear and uncertainty. We stand with them and for them,” Father Borneo said.
More than 1,000 worshippers were joined by Firhad Hakim, the mayor of Calcutta Municipal Corporation, and Michael Shane Calvert, the MLA representing the Anglo-Indian community in Bengal.
The past week has seen several protests and processions across the city where students, professionals and homemakers from various communities have raised their voice against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens.
“We are seeing widespread protests. The fear and feeling of uncertainty in the neighbourhood is palpable,” Father Borneo said. “We are all neighbours living in the same area. How can someone celebrate Christmas and not experience the plight that the neighbours are facing or stay aloof from the emotional disturbance that is troubling them?”
