Planned pro-CAA rally draws flaks
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 28 2019:
BJP's plan to conduct pro-Citi-zenship Amendment Act rallies on December 29, amidst growing protests across the country, has courted severe criticisms from many across the State.
Calling the proposed pro-CAA rally as a show of 'power and arrogance,' Manipur People's Democratic Front (MPDF), a party formed by various politicians said that the State BJP should think wise and suspend the rally.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club, MPDF secretary Sapam Samungou said that the planned pro-CAA rally is nothing but BJP's plan to show off and flex its muscles as they are in power in the State.
The pro-CAA rally is directed against the wish of the people of the whole North-East, and BJP should not play with the hurt sentiments of the people else they must face the wrath of the people, he said.
Commenting on the protests across the country over the Act, MPDF president and former MLA N Nodiachand, who was also present at the press meet, reiterated that the pro-CAA rally is directed against people's wish.
Identifying the cause of the unrest that is prevailing in the country over CAA as a result of people blindly voting in elections, the former MLA said that people should be educated well about their voting rights to avoid the issues they would face otherwise.
Free and fair election and well informed voters would help elect right representatives who would hear people's voice, he said hinting that the present Govern- ments in the State and the Centre are immune to people's cry.
MPDF would be organising poster campaign to educate voters for a free and fair election soon, he said.
Meanwhile, social media platforms are flooded with posts and comments criticising the BJP's call for Nationwide pro-CAA rallies.
Some of the posts severely criticised and accused the BJP led State Government of taking side and being biased over the CAA.
Some of the posts also accused the State Government of suppressing democratic voices of the people.
"If pro-CAA rally is allowed, then why not allow anti-CAA rally...
why arrest those protesting peacefully against CAA," one post on Facebook reads.
When asked about how they feel about the proposed pro-CAA rally, many people said that BJP should not organise such a rally considering people's will.
"The BJP is arrogantly trying to bulldoze and implement the Citizenship Act, when whole of the North-East are worried about the impact the Act on the indigenous people, their culture and identity," said one person who doesn't want to be named.