On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced restrictions on any kind of social gathering appealing the people of Shaheen Bagh to co-operate. Despite his earnest appeal, it looks like Shaheen Bagh is not moving out anytime soon.
In the midst of the deadly coronavirus scare, various state governments have taken precautionary steps to contain the spread of the disease. While Maharashtra has moved to Section 144, the Delhi government has now freshly imposed restrictions on all kinds of social and political gatherings. The government had earlier shut down schools, theatres, and shopping malls.
Shaheen Bagh refuses to budge
Shaheen Bagh, the iconic site that has been the center of focus of the anti-CAA protest, has stood strong since it began on December 15th. Having been a pillar of strength to dissent, the supporters of Shaheen Bagh and the government at Delhi feel it is the time to put public health ahead of all other matters.
Responding to the recent development, the volunteers of Shaheen Bagh said that the protest will go on and that they will wait until the Supreme Court hears the matter. The hearing of the Supreme Court is scheduled for March 23rd. However, amidst the corona frenzy, the chances of it happening looks bleak.
Although Shaheen Bagh witnessed a drop in numbers, the volunteer confirmed to the media that the protest will go on without any change. According to the volunteer, necessary precautions are being taken by the protestors keeping the safety of everyone in consideration.
While several of the protestors feel that giving up at this moment would effectively derail the movement they have carried out for over three months, many of its supporters have urged them to evacuate the place and resume once it’s safe for all. Following the similar protest, a protest surfaced in Bangalore at Bilal Bagh is also set to continue despite the corona threat in the city.
When asked about whether the restrictions would apply to Shaheen Bagh, Chief Minister Kejriwal clarified that the restrictions would apply to everyone irrespective of their cause and the seriousness of it.
