Differently-abled Come Together Against CAA and NRC in Kochi

“If they can question the government, why can’t we?” asks Sreeraj, who captured the photographs at the protests.

‘If they can question the government why can’t we?’ asks Sreeraj.

(Photo Courtesy: Sreeraj) 

In a first in India, differently-abled persons from Kerala came together at Marine Drive in Kochi to protest against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 and NRC on Tuesday, 24 December.

The moments were captured by Sreeraj, a photographer based in Kochi. Speaking to The Quint, he said, “I was emotional when I saw them voicing their protest against CAA and NRC. Not many people knew about their protest, there was not much media coverage either. Many of them had come from far away places by organising transportation on their own. If they can question the government, why can’t we?”

Author and activist Manoj Ravindran addressed the event. 

“Disability is not a barrier, discrimination is”, read a poster.

“If they can question the government why can’t we?” asks Sreeraj.

Protesters took help of their family members and travelled afar to voice their concerns. 

On Monday, a Facebook fraternity also organised a People’s Long March spanning seven kilometres with participation from the general public, film and literature community. Over 2,000 protesters are said to have participated in the march demanding immediate withdrawal of the Act and NRC related procedures. The march started from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and culminated at Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Malayalam Film Director Aashiq Abu joined the People’s Long March supporting the cause. 

Film director Kamal, environment activist CR Neelakandan, Left thinker and author M N Pearson, author and journalist NS Madhavan were seen among the crowd. (Left to Right)

Protesters recited the Preamble of the Constitution throughout their march.

Protesters used their creativity to express their concern over CAA.

The advertisement board spoke volumes.

Protesters also made use of the platform to raise their voices against oppression of Kashmir and other issues faced by the public.

Congress MLA VT Balaram also joined the march. 

The walk concluded at Cochin Shipyard Limited which is a Mini Ratna Company under the Ministry of Shipping. A section of the people continued their march to Fort Cochin singing Azaadi songs and organising street plays at busy junctions. It was Kerala’s first citizen-led protest against CAA and NRC.

The ruling party LDF and opposition parties including UDF had earlier come together at the state capital, Thiruvanthapuram to address CAA and NRC. Kerala also stopped NPR related activities citing apprehensions of NPR as a precursor to NRC.