The Truth Behind the Protests Against NRCAA: A Call for Reason and Peace
As an Indian Christian Roman Catholic and someone who solely watches English language news, I must make it clear that our community does not demand anything special. We merely aim to amend a pre-existing law to allow non-Muslims to seek accelerated citizenship, reflecting our nation's diverse roots and values.
Everyday, I encounter narratives from the mainstream media that cast anything unfavorable towards Muslims as communal or Islamophobic. However, this characterization is flawed and harmful. It is unacceptable that individuals who are not Muslims are prevented from escaping persecution in Pakistan and potentially bringing Sri Sri and our ideals to India. This form of secularism is truly troubling.
For now, if you vehemently oppose the CAA/NRCAA, allow us to pass the CAA and save lives. Those who label themselves as sickular often overlook the suffering of non-Muslims and continue to perpetuate a narrative that undermines Hindu and other communities. This behavior is nothing short of anti-Hindu Sanaatani.
Moreover, it is misleading to believe that protests against CAA are anti-democratic or anti-secular. The protest against the CAA is also a protest against NRC, which has not been drafted yet. Therefore, these demonstrations are neither well-informed nor based on an accurate understanding of the laws involved.
Protests and Violence: A Common Pattern?
The pattern of protests and subsequent violence is sadly not new in India. Historical instances abound:
During the release of the movie Padmavat, commuters in India faced violent protests, including bus burning and stoning of school buses. Following the Supreme Court's judgment on atrocities against SC/ST, Indians resorted to violence, attacking buses, trains, using guns, and looting shops.Currently, these protests against the CAA have taken on an alarming turn, predominantly marked by violence. The latest example of this is the escalating tensions and confrontations involving non-violent protestors, who, ironically, are being lambasted for their peaceful intentions.
The Violence and Its Consequences
It is crucial to reflect on the nature of these protests and their impact. It is a common psychology in today's India that individuals believe that violence will bring about desired changes. However, history proves that peaceful protests have been more effective. For instance, lakhs of farmers protested peacefully, barefoot and often at night, without resorting to violence. These protests did not elicit the same level of media attention or societal concern.
The question now is, why do violent protests attract more attention and engage a larger audience? The answer lies in the polarization and division within society. In such contexts, any act of violence, even if misguided, tends to garner more support and media coverage. Conversely, peaceful protests often fail to generate similar attention, despite their more rational and lasting impact.
Education and the Path to Unity
The problem is rooted in our education system. We are taught about Gandhi and Satyagraha, but not about the true essence of non-violent protest. Our curriculum stresses unity but fails to endorse the spirit of togetherness. Gandhi himself firmly believed that violence would not achieve independence, and any such action would change the aim of any protest. He emphasized that non-violence is the ornament of the brave.
The bottom line is that protesters must understand that violence is not the path to the outcomes they desire. Politicians are happy when we turn against each other, and this divide benefits them the most. It is only when communities unite that the true benefit is realized. Our goal should be to resist division and promote common ground, ensuring a more cohesive and prosperous society.