As the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra crosses 42, the state is in a virtual lockdown to contain the pandemic. However, the protestors of Mumbai Bagh refused to call off their protest and has assured to follow every safety precaution.
The Mumbai Bagh protest against the center’s citizenship act is heavily modeled around the Shaheen Bagh protests of Delhi. While Shaheen Bagh too refused to budge to the state’s restriction, the Mumbai Bagh is following the same path.
The number of cases in Maharashtra has increased with every day and has become the epicenter of the outbreak in the country. The Maharashtra government was quick to take the necessary steps as it shut down schools, universities, theatres, malls and other places of public gathering. On Tuesday, the government offices were also shut down. The refusal of the Mumbai Bagh protests has raised questions on the safety and the seriousness of the protestors.
Necessary Precautions are taken
A regular protestor at Mumbai Bagh and also the one who manages the activities, Mariam spoke to the media and assured that every safety precaution has been taken. The protestors are provided with masks and the young and the old are advised not to come for the protests. On the site, the women were also maintaining the prescribed spaces between them.
A number of practicing doctors who are also protestors at Mumbai Bagh are making sure the site is kept clean. One of the protestors, Dr. Vasika claimed that anyone developing symptoms can get themselves checked. She also acknowledged the anxiety around the coronavirus and also ensured that they are being considerate of both the outbreak and the cause of their agitation.
When asked about the validity of the protest, Mariam said that as soon as the Maharashtra government passes a resolution against the CAA and the NRC, the Mumbai Bagh protest will be called off and the site will be cleared in an hour.
All the important protests, Shaheen Bagh, Mumbai Bagh, and the Bilal Bagh, have refused to bow down to the pandemic and has taken a brave step to continue their protest against the government.
