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⚫ {{Merge|Citizenship Amendment Act protests|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox event {{Infobox event
| title = Manushya Maha Sringhala | title = Manushya Maha Sringhala
Line 7: Line 7:
| date = 26 January 2020 | date = 26 January 2020
| place = ], India | place = ], India
| motive = To protest against Citizen Amendment Act | motive = * To take an oath to protect the ]
* To protest against ] and the ]
| organisers = ] | organisers = ]
| type = ] | type = ]
| participants = People of Kerala | participants = 6-7 million people from Kerala
}} }}
] (LDF) in ] organized a 620 kilometer long human chain on 26th January 2020 to protest against ] passed by ] <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/951132/republic-day-kerala-government-to-organise-620-km-long-human-chain-to-demand-repeal-of-caa|title=Republic Day: Kerala government to organise 620-km long human chain to demand repeal of CAA|last=|first=|date=|website=Scroll.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://scroll.in/latest/951132/republic-day-kerala-government-to-organise-620-km-long-human-chain-to-demand-repeal-of-caa|archive-date=2020-01-26|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2020/01/26/kerala-ldf-to-form-620-km-human-chain-against-caa.html|title=Kerala's LDF forms massive human chain against CAA on R-day|website=OnManorama|language=en|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/620-km-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa/articleshow/73635612.cms|title=620 km human chain formed in Kerala demanding withdrawal of CAA {{!}} Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India|last=Jan 26|first=PTI {{!}} Updated:|last2=2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-01-26|last3=Ist|first3=16:54}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/jan/26/620-kilometre-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-on-republic-day-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa-2094815.html|title=620-kilometre human chain formed in Kerala on Republic Day demanding withdrawal of CAA|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/caa-kerala-chief-minister-pinarayi-vijayan-newly-weds-participate-at-620-km-human-chain-2170013|title=Kerala Chief Minister, Newly Weds In 620-Km Human Chain Against Citizenship Law|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|work=NDTV|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/india-soul-protests-mark-republic-day-celebrations-200126140155387.html|title='Fight for India's soul': Protests mark Republic Day celebrations|last=|first=|date=2020-01-27|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>. The human chain Started from ] of north kerala to ] (Thrivananthapuram) of South Kerala. The human chain was formed at 4pm IST, continued by reading out the preamble of ]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/620-km-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa-2474075.html|title=620 Km Human Chain Formed in Kerala Demanding Withdrawal of CAA|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|work=News 18|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>. After that an oath was taken to protect the constitution of India. '''Manushya Maha Sringhala''' (Mega Human Network) was a ] formed on 26 January 2020 across the Indian state of Kerala to protest against the ] and the proposed ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/951132/republic-day-kerala-government-to-organise-620-km-long-human-chain-to-demand-repeal-of-caa|title=Republic Day: Kerala government to organise 620-km long human chain to demand repeal of CAA|last=|first=|date=|website=]|url-status=live|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/caa-kerala-chief-minister-pinarayi-vijayan-newly-weds-participate-at-620-km-human-chain-2170013|title=Kerala Chief Minister, Newly Weds In 620-Km Human Chain Against Citizenship Law|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|work=]|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref> The chain was formed by approximately 6 to 7 million people and extended for a distance of 700 kilometres (435 miles) stretching north to south from ] to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/620-km-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa-2474075.html|title=620 Km Human Chain Formed in Kerala Demanding Withdrawal of CAA|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|work=]|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/tricolour-in-mosques-700-km-long-human-chain-kerala-to-witness-huge-anti-caa-protest-on-republic-day-2473017.html|title=Tricolour in Mosques & 700-km Long Human Chain: Kerala to Witness Huge Anti-CAA Protest on Republic Day|last=|first=|date=25 January 2020|website=News18|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>

The ] led by the ] had organized the human chain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/620-km-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa/articleshow/73635612.cms|title=620 km human chain formed in Kerala demanding withdrawal of CAA {{!}} Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India|last=Jan 26|first=PTI {{!}} Updated|last2=2020|date=|website=]|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-01-26|last3=Ist|first3=16:54}}</ref> The chain was completed at 16:00 ] (+5:30 GMT) when the participants read out the preamble of the ] and swore an oath to protect it.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2020/01/26/kerala-ldf-to-form-620-km-human-chain-against-caa.html|title=Kerala's LDF forms massive human chain against CAA on R-day|last=|first=|date=26 January 2020|website=On Manorama|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> The chain was formed on the ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/india-soul-protests-mark-republic-day-celebrations-200126140155387.html|title='Fight for India's soul': Protests mark Republic Day celebrations|last=|first=|date=2020-01-27|work=]|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/jan/26/620-kilometre-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-on-republic-day-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa-2094815.html|title=620-kilometre human chain formed in Kerala on Republic Day demanding withdrawal of CAA|last=|first=|date=|website=]|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref>


], general Secretary of ] was the first link in the chain and ], former education minister of Kerala was the last link.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/jan/26/620-kilometre-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-on-republic-day-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa-2094815.html|title=620-kilometre human chain formed in Kerala on Republic Day demanding withdrawal of CAA|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref> According to the coordinators, the participation count for the Human chain was around 5 to 6 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/620-km-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa/articleshow/73635612.cms|title=620 km human chain formed in Kerala demanding withdrawal of CAA {{!}} Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India|last=Jan 26|first=PTI {{!}} Updated:|last2=2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-01-26|last3=Ist|first3=16:54}}</ref>
==Background== ==Background==
⚫ {{Main|Citizenship Amendment Act protests}}
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 was passed by the Parliament of India on 11 December 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50739593|title=Citizenship Amendment Bill: 'Anti-Muslim' law challenged in India court|last=|first=|date=2019-12-12|work=BBC|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>. India does not have a law to define refugee status and every undocumented individual in India is a illegal migrant. The act grand special path for ], ], ], ], ], and Christian religious minorities from ], ] and ] to acquire citizenship in India, reducing the naturalization period.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) was passed by the ] on 11 December. India does not have a law to define refugee status and all undocumented individuals in India are considered illegal migrants. The act grants Indian citizenship to ], ], ], ], ] and ] who claim to be from ], ] or ] and reduces the period of ]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50739593|title=Citizenship Amendment Bill: 'Anti-Muslim' law challenged in India court|last=|first=|date=2019-12-12|work=]|access-date=2020-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>. The ] has also introduced the proposal for implementing a ] (NRC) for all citizens of India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/national-register-of-citizens-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/72853566.cms|title=What is NRC Bill? {{!}} All you need to know about National Register of Citizens of India|last=|first=|last2=|date=20 December 2019|website=The Times of India|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|last3=|first3=}}</ref> The NRC was first implemented in ], which excluded 1.9 million individuals who were declared illegal immigrants and sent to ]<nowiki/>s. The individuals in question were predominantly Hindu or Muslim.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49520593|title=India puts 1.9m people at risk of statelessness|last=|first=|date=31 August 2019|work=]|access-date=|url-status=live|language=}}</ref> The NRC was criticized for being deeply flawed and acting on the basis of guilt until proven innocent thereby providing the possibility of genuine citizens being rendered ] by the process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/cursor/the-profound-un-indianness-of-nrc/|title=The profound un-Indianness of NRC|last=Arun|first=T K|date=3 September 2019|website=]|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/india/news/final-assam-nrc-flawed-document-1793473|title=Final Assam NRC a flawed document|last=|first=|date=31 August 2019|website=]|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>

The passage of the CAA led to widespread protests across India, leading to at least 25 dead with the ruling ] ] being accused of ] in providing citizenship, violent suppression of ] and attempting to ] and ] millions of Muslims with the continued insistence on implementing a nationwide NRC.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/17/world/asia/india-protests-citizenship-muslims.html|title=Why People Are Protesting in India|last=Victor|first=Daniel|date=2019-12-17|work=]|access-date=2020-01-29|url-status=live|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200127-385-mile-human-chain-indians-line-up-to-protest-citizenship-law|title=385-mile human chain: Indians line up to protest citizenship law|last=|first=|date=2020-01-27|website=]|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> The Act has received criticism from across the world with the UN calling it "fundamentally discriminatory" and a resolution was moved in the EU Parliament against it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/resolution-moved-in-europe-against-caa/cid/1739669|title=Resolution moved in Europe against CAA|last=|first=|date=|website=]|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/12/1053511|title=New citizenship law in India 'fundamentally discriminatory': UN human rights office|last=|first=|date=2019-12-13|website=UN News|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> Four Indian states passed a resolution against it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/anti-caa-resolution-west-bengal-mamata-banerjee-1640574-2020-01-27|title=Mamata Banerjee's Bengal becomes 4th state to pass anti-CAA resolution|last=Loiwal|first=Manogya|date=27 January 2020|website=]|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> Several Indian states also declared that they will not implement either the CAA or the NRC or both of them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/states-which-are-opposing-and-mobilising-against-the-caa-nrc/cid/1735460|title=States which are opposing and mobilising against the CAA-NRC|last=Furquan|first=Ameen|date=13 January 2020|website=Telegraph India|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>

In Kerala, the ruling ] coalition and the opposition ] coalition granted joint support to the protests across India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/caa-nrc-over-my-dead-body-mamata-banerjee-ldf-and-udf-on-one-platform/articleshow/72781193.cms|title=CAA, NRC over 'my Dead Body': Mamata Banerjee; LDF and UDF on one platform|last=|first=|date=16 December 2019|work=The Economic Times|access-date=|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] passed a resolution against the act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/kerala-chief-minister-tables-resolution-against-citizenship-act-in-assembly-2156658|title=Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Against Citizenship Act|last=|first=|date=31 December 2019|website=]|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> Following the resolution, the ] filed a lawsuit against the ] for violating the provisions of ] and ] granted by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/949822/as-kerala-challenges-caa-in-the-supreme-court-here-are-possible-ways-the-case-could-play-out|title=As Kerala challenges CAA in the Supreme Court, here are possible ways the case could play out|last=Yamunan|first=Sruthisagar|date=14 January 2020|website=Scroll.in|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> The government also stopped work related to the National Population Register which has been reported to be utilized for the conduction of the NRC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/947479/after-west-bengal-kerala-also-stops-work-related-to-national-population-register|title=After West Bengal, Kerala also stops work related to National Population Register|last=|first=|date=20 December 2019|website=Scroll.in|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> The state of Kerala has experienced widespread protests against CAA and NRC while ], the ] has stated that the state will remain at the forefront to defend the Constitution of India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kerala-will-remain-in-forefront-to-defend-constitution-cm/articleshow/73253428.cms|title=Kerala will remain in forefront to defend Constitution: CM {{!}} India News - Times of India|last=|first=|last2=|date=14 January 2020|website=The Times of India|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|last3=|first3=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/analysis-ldf-buoyed-by-response-to-anti-caa-protest-determined-to-sustain-its-tempo/article30669026.ece|title=Analysis {{!}} LDF buoyed by response to anti-CAA protest, determined to sustain its tempo|last=|first=|date=2020-01-28|work=]|access-date=2020-01-29|url-status=live|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Protest ==
On 24 January 2020, the ] (LDF) announced that it would organize a human chain from ] to ] passing through 10 out of 14 districts with adjoining chains from Pathanamthitta and ] districts on ]. The chain was proposed to follow roads on the right side.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ldf-hold-mega-anti-caa-rally-republic-day-kerala-1640003-2020-01-25|title=LDF to form human chain to protest against CAA on Republic Day in Kerala|last=Unnithan|first=P. S. Gopikrishnan|date=25 January 2020|website=]|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> Police officers were employed to prevent traffic disruption on the roads.<ref name=":2" /> The LDF ], ] stated that they welcomed participation from everyone regardless of political affiliation excluding ] and extremist forces.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/cong-urged-to-cooperate-with-ldfs-human-chain/article30646908.ece|title=Cong. urged to cooperate with LDF's human chain|last=|first=|date=2020-01-24|work=The Hindu|access-date=|url-status=live|language=|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The opposition ] however provided no clear indication of support while the LDF was able to disseminate the message that the chain was not to be linked to any electoral interests other than the protection of the constitution and the secular fabric of the country.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/analysis-ldf-buoyed-by-response-to-anti-caa-protest-determined-to-sustain-its-tempo/article30669026.ece|title=Analysis {{!}} LDF buoyed by response to anti-CAA protest, determined to sustain its tempo|last=|first=|date=2020-01-28|work=The Hindu|access-date=|url-status=live|language=|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On 26 January 2020, the 71st ], the Left Democratic Front organized one of the largest event of protest with a continuous human chain pledging to defend the Constitution of India which stretched from the northernmost end of the administrative border of Kerala to the southernmost end.<ref name=":0" /> The chain when formed directly passed through 12 districts of Kerala, those being ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Kottayam, ], Pathanamthitta, ] and ] districts, respectively in sequence. The chain extended till the border of ] at ]. The districts of ] and ] were not a part of the main chain but separate parallel chains were formed in them.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/lakhs-line-up-between-kasargode-and-kaliyikkavila-for-ldf-human-chain-against-caa-nrc/article30657578.ece|title=Lakhs line up between Kasargode and Kaliyikkavila for LDF human chain against CAA, NRC|last=|first=|date=26 January 2020|newspaper=]|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>

The human chain was organised with the help of transportation provided by the Left Democratic Front to connect the less populated parts along ]. At 15:30 ] (3:30 PM), leaflets of the pledge were distributed and a ] was held with directions issued through ]<nowiki/>s. At 16:00 Indian Standard Time (4:00 PM), the chain was formally formed when the participants read out the preamble to the Constitution of India and then took the pledge. The chain was dispersed at 16:15 Indian Standard Time (4:15 PM) and ] were held at 250 locations in the state.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala/kerala-620-km-long-human-chain-organised-against-caa-nrc-on-republic-day-6236521/|title=Kerala: 620-km long human chain organised against CAA-NRC on Republic Day|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|website=The Indian Express|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/620-km-long-human-chain-comprising-70-lakh-people-formed-in-kerala-in-protest-against-caa-1502849806.html|title=620 km long human chain comprising 70 lakh people formed in Kerala in protest against CAA|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|website=]|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> The Left Democratic Front claimed that 7.5 million people had participated in the chain.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/620-km-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa/articleshow/73640064.cms?from=mdr|title=620 km human chain formed in Kerala demanding withdrawal of CAA|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|work=]|access-date=|url-status=live}}</ref> A worker from the ] attempted to commit suicide during the demonstration, who was later found out to be psychologically unstable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/suicide-attempt-during-human-chain-rss-activist-hospitalised-1.4477196|title=Suicide attempt during human chain; RSS activist hospitalised|last=|first=|date=26 January 2020|website=]|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>

Various prominent personalities participated in the human chain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/nation/620-km-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-to-demand-caa-withdrawal-397491|title=620 km human chain formed in Kerala to demand CAA withdrawal|last=|first=|date=2020-01-26|website=Millennium Post|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> ], General-Secretary of the ] was the first link in the chain and ], former Minister of Education (Kerala) was the last link.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/jan/26/620-kilometre-human-chain-formed-in-kerala-on-republic-day-demanding-withdrawal-of-caa-2094815.html|title=620-kilometre human chain formed in Kerala on Republic Day demanding withdrawal of CAA|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref> Chief Minister, ] and ] state secretary, ] joined the chain in the capital of Kerala, ] at Martyr's square, ]. The ] ex-num ] joined the chain in ].<ref name="pledge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/pics-lakhs-come-out-kerala-ldfs-human-chain-protest-against-caa-and-nrc-116870|title=In pics: Lakhs come out in Kerala, for LDF's human chain to protest against CAA and NRC|last=Joseph|first=Neethu|date=26 January 2020|website=]|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref> ], a former member of legislative assembly of ] joined the chain at ].<ref name=":1" />

== Pledge ==
The human chain once formed at 16:00 Indian Standard Time (4:00 PM), read out the ] and then took an oath to protect the Constitution. The oath is as follows:<blockquote class="templatequote">{{Cquote|The era of division, religious intolerance and blood shed will not be repeated. We will stand close to the Constitution which is a pledge of human love and brotherhood. I pledge myself for the fulfillment of constitutional values. We promise that we will even give up our lives to prevent the cunning moves to replace the ] with ] and ] with Chathurvarna (]) and ]. I pledge myself to the country's unity and people's togetherness. We hereby promise that we will not allow democracy and freedom to be brought down. We will not also allow minority communities to be suppressed.
| author = As transcribed and translated by ]
| source = <ref name= "pledge"/>
}}</blockquote>

== Reactions ==
]: The IUML which is part of the opposition ] (UDF) coalition while had given joint support with the ruling coalition to the protests suspended one of its local leaders for participating in the human chain, following friction in the UDF resulting from alignment with their political rivals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsclick.in/IUML-suspends-member-participating-human-chain-kerala|title=IUML Suspends Member for Participating in Human Chain in Kerala|last=|first=|date=28 January 2020|website=NewsClick|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2020/jan/29/iuml-suspends-local-leader-for-taking-part-in-human-chain-protest-2095868.html|title=IUML suspends local leader for taking part in human chain protest|last=|first=|date=29 January 2020|website=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>

]: In response to the human chain, the opposition UDF coalition too formed human maps of India, in 12 out of 14 districts (excluding ] and ]) in Kerala.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/2020/01/30/kerala-udf-human-map-india-anti-caa-citizenship-act.html|title=After Left's human chain, Kerala's UDF forms human maps of India to protest against CAA|last=|first=|date=30 January 2020|website=OnManorama|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref>


==Gallery==
According to statement by ], Home Minister of India, there will be a ] to list citizens (NRC) of India. NRC was first implemented in ], a State of India which registered 20 million individuals as illegal migrants. The accused were mostly Muslim and Hindu. With the implementation of CAA, the Muslims will be discriminated in the process of getting citizenship.
<gallery>
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020 5.jpg|Part of Manushya Maha Sringhala
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020 7.jpg|People in the Human Chain
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020 10.jpg|People standing on the road
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020 11.jpg
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020.jpg|People at the city center
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020 15.jpg|Meeting about the Human Chain
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020 14.jpg|People at the Meeting
Manushya maha Srinkala againts CAA kerala 2020 12.jpg|Families in the Chain
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== See also ==
The act was criticized across world for its non secular and discriminatory nature. It Various forms of non-violent protests were observed across the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/resolution-moved-in-europe-against-caa/cid/1739669|title=Resolution moved in Europe against CAA|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-26}}</ref> Parliament of Kerala passed a resolution against the act and also filed a suit against central government in Supreme Court of India under act 131.
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The protest was conducted as part of 71st ].
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Revision as of 13:51, 7 March 2020

Manushya Maha Sringhala
People at Manushya Maha Sringhala from Angamaly, Kerala, India
Date26 January 2020
LocationKerala, India
TypeHuman chain
Motive
Organised byLeft Democratic Front
Participants6-7 million people from Kerala

Manushya Maha Sringhala (Mega Human Network) was a human chain formed on 26 January 2020 across the Indian state of Kerala to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens. The chain was formed by approximately 6 to 7 million people and extended for a distance of 700 kilometres (435 miles) stretching north to south from Kasaragod to Kaliyikkavila.

The Left Democratic Front led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had organized the human chain. The chain was completed at 16:00 Indian Standard Time (+5:30 GMT) when the participants read out the preamble of the Constitution of India and swore an oath to protect it. The chain was formed on the Republic Day of India.

Background

Main article: Citizenship Amendment Act protests

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) was passed by the Parliament of India on 11 December. India does not have a law to define refugee status and all undocumented individuals in India are considered illegal migrants. The act grants Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who claim to be from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan and reduces the period of naturalization. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also introduced the proposal for implementing a National Register of Citizens (NRC) for all citizens of India. The NRC was first implemented in Assam, which excluded 1.9 million individuals who were declared illegal immigrants and sent to detention camps. The individuals in question were predominantly Hindu or Muslim. The NRC was criticized for being deeply flawed and acting on the basis of guilt until proven innocent thereby providing the possibility of genuine citizens being rendered stateless by the process.

The passage of the CAA led to widespread protests across India, leading to at least 25 dead with the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party being accused of religious discrimination in providing citizenship, violent suppression of dissent and attempting to disenfranchise and segregate millions of Muslims with the continued insistence on implementing a nationwide NRC. The Act has received criticism from across the world with the UN calling it "fundamentally discriminatory" and a resolution was moved in the EU Parliament against it. Four Indian states passed a resolution against it. Several Indian states also declared that they will not implement either the CAA or the NRC or both of them.

In Kerala, the ruling Left Democratic Front coalition and the opposition United Democratic Front coalition granted joint support to the protests across India. The Legislative Assembly of Kerala passed a resolution against the act. Following the resolution, the government of Kerala filed a lawsuit against the government of India for violating the provisions of fundamental rights and secularism granted by the Constitution of India. The government also stopped work related to the National Population Register which has been reported to be utilized for the conduction of the NRC. The state of Kerala has experienced widespread protests against CAA and NRC while Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala has stated that the state will remain at the forefront to defend the Constitution of India.

Protest

On 24 January 2020, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) announced that it would organize a human chain from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram passing through 10 out of 14 districts with adjoining chains from Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts on Republic Day. The chain was proposed to follow roads on the right side. Police officers were employed to prevent traffic disruption on the roads. The LDF convener, A. Vijayaraghavan stated that they welcomed participation from everyone regardless of political affiliation excluding communal and extremist forces. The opposition United Democratic Front however provided no clear indication of support while the LDF was able to disseminate the message that the chain was not to be linked to any electoral interests other than the protection of the constitution and the secular fabric of the country.

On 26 January 2020, the 71st Republic Day of India, the Left Democratic Front organized one of the largest event of protest with a continuous human chain pledging to defend the Constitution of India which stretched from the northernmost end of the administrative border of Kerala to the southernmost end. The chain when formed directly passed through 12 districts of Kerala, those being Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts, respectively in sequence. The chain extended till the border of Tamil Nadu at Kaliyakkavilai. The districts of Wayanad and idukki were not a part of the main chain but separate parallel chains were formed in them.

The human chain was organised with the help of transportation provided by the Left Democratic Front to connect the less populated parts along national highways. At 15:30 Indian Standard Time (3:30 PM), leaflets of the pledge were distributed and a rehearsal was held with directions issued through microphones. At 16:00 Indian Standard Time (4:00 PM), the chain was formally formed when the participants read out the preamble to the Constitution of India and then took the pledge. The chain was dispersed at 16:15 Indian Standard Time (4:15 PM) and public meeting were held at 250 locations in the state. The Left Democratic Front claimed that 7.5 million people had participated in the chain. A worker from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh attempted to commit suicide during the demonstration, who was later found out to be psychologically unstable.

Various prominent personalities participated in the human chain. S. Ramachandran Pillai, General-Secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha was the first link in the chain and M. A. Baby, former Minister of Education (Kerala) was the last link. Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan and Communist Party of India state secretary, Kanam Rajendran joined the chain in the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram at Martyr's square, Palayam. The whistleblower ex-num Lucy Kalappurakkal joined the chain in Wayanad district. Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, a former member of legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir joined the chain at Malappuram.

Pledge

The human chain once formed at 16:00 Indian Standard Time (4:00 PM), read out the preamble to the Constitution of India and then took an oath to protect the Constitution. The oath is as follows:

The era of division, religious intolerance and blood shed will not be repeated. We will stand close to the Constitution which is a pledge of human love and brotherhood. I pledge myself for the fulfillment of constitutional values. We promise that we will even give up our lives to prevent the cunning moves to replace the Constitution with Manusmriti and democracy with Chathurvarna (caste system) and rule of religion. I pledge myself to the country's unity and people's togetherness. We hereby promise that we will not allow democracy and freedom to be brought down. We will not also allow minority communities to be suppressed.

— As transcribed and translated by The News Minute,

Reactions

Indian Union Muslim League: The IUML which is part of the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition while had given joint support with the ruling coalition to the protests suspended one of its local leaders for participating in the human chain, following friction in the UDF resulting from alignment with their political rivals.

United Democratic Front (Kerala): In response to the human chain, the opposition UDF coalition too formed human maps of India, in 12 out of 14 districts (excluding Wayanad and Kozhikode) in Kerala.

Gallery

  • Part of Manushya Maha Sringhala Part of Manushya Maha Sringhala
  • People in the Human Chain People in the Human Chain
  • People standing on the road People standing on the road
  • People at the city center People at the city center
  • Meeting about the Human Chain Meeting about the Human Chain
  • People at the Meeting People at the Meeting
  • Families in the Chain Families in the Chain

See also

References

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  2. "Kerala Chief Minister, Newly Weds In 620-Km Human Chain Against Citizenship Law". NDTV. 26 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. "620 Km Human Chain Formed in Kerala Demanding Withdrawal of CAA". News 18. 26 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. "Tricolour in Mosques & 700-km Long Human Chain: Kerala to Witness Huge Anti-CAA Protest on Republic Day". News18. 25 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. Jan 26, PTI | Updated; 2020; Ist, 16:54. "620 km human chain formed in Kerala demanding withdrawal of CAA | Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "Kerala's LDF forms massive human chain against CAA on R-day". On Manorama. 26 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. "'Fight for India's soul': Protests mark Republic Day celebrations". Al Jazeera. 27 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. "620-kilometre human chain formed in Kerala on Republic Day demanding withdrawal of CAA". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 26 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. "Citizenship Amendment Bill: 'Anti-Muslim' law challenged in India court". BBC. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. "What is NRC Bill? | All you need to know about National Register of Citizens of India". The Times of India. 20 December 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. "India puts 1.9m people at risk of statelessness". BBC News. 31 August 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. Arun, T K (3 September 2019). "The profound un-Indianness of NRC". The Economic Times.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. "Final Assam NRC a flawed document". The Daily Star. 31 August 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. Victor, Daniel (17 December 2019). "Why People Are Protesting in India". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 29 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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  16. "Resolution moved in Europe against CAA". Telegraph India. Retrieved 26 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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  19. Furquan, Ameen (13 January 2020). "States which are opposing and mobilising against the CAA-NRC". Telegraph India.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. "CAA, NRC over 'my Dead Body': Mamata Banerjee; LDF and UDF on one platform". The Economic Times. 16 December 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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  22. Yamunan, Sruthisagar (14 January 2020). "As Kerala challenges CAA in the Supreme Court, here are possible ways the case could play out". Scroll.in.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. "After West Bengal, Kerala also stops work related to National Population Register". Scroll.in. 20 December 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. "Kerala will remain in forefront to defend Constitution: CM | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. 14 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. "Analysis | LDF buoyed by response to anti-CAA protest, determined to sustain its tempo". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 28 January 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 January 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. Unnithan, P. S. Gopikrishnan (25 January 2020). "LDF to form human chain to protest against CAA on Republic Day in Kerala". India Today.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ "Kerala: 620-km long human chain organised against CAA-NRC on Republic Day". The Indian Express. 26 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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  33. "Suicide attempt during human chain; RSS activist hospitalised". Mathrubhumi. 26 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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  37. "IUML Suspends Member for Participating in Human Chain in Kerala". NewsClick. 28 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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External links

India Citizenship Amendment Act protests
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