Following seven deaths and over 300 confirmed cases of coronavirus in India, Shaheen Bagh-inspired sit-in protest led by women in Mumbai has been temporarily paused till the fear of the pandemic subsides.
Rubaid Ali Bhojani, one of the organisers of the protest, said, “All the protestes at Mumbai Bagh are withdrawing due to coronavirus epidemic and Section 144 in Maharashtra state.”
“We may have a difference with the government on CAA-NRC-NPR but we are with the government to fight against COVID-19.”Rubaid Ali Bhojani, Organiser, Mumbai Bagh
Ali added, “The Mumbai Bagh protest will be continued in a symbolic way by posting online.”
Earlier, the protest was scaled down and was being carried on with precautions like distributing masks, hand sanitizers and spacing out the seating arrangements for the protesters.
Over 70 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra and CM Uddhav Thackeray announced an extension of the Janata Curfew while many other states headed for a complete shutdown.
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Meanwhile, at other protest sites near Mumbai in Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Mumbra, the sit-in is continuing with only five people till 31 March.
Samvidhan Bachao Sangharsh Sameti released a statement saying, “Request to all mothers and sisters to support us and government in the current situation to prevent spread of corona disease to keep nation healthy (sic).”
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