The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Andhra Pradesh (A.P.,) and Telangana would conduct a ‘Million March’ on the 4th of January, 2020, to protest at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park, Hyderabad.
Initially, the March was scheduled to be held on the 28th of December, 2019, but due to permission issues, the JAC had to postpone it.
The JAC also filed a petition in the Telangana High Court, seeking permission to conduct the Million March. After being granted permission by the Telangana High Court, the JAC is all set to conduct the March at a different location from what was initially planned. Previously, it was decided the Million March would be held at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, but now, the venue is Dharna Chowk near Indira Park, Lower Tank Bund.
The JAC is protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which allows Indian citizenship to refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who are Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, Parsis and Christians and have been residing in India since or before the 31st of December, 2014.
In its permission letter, the Telangana Police mentioned Md. Mushtaq Malik, the Convenor of the TS and AP JAC, would be held responsible if any kind of violence takes place during the March. It further said the JAC would be liable for any kind of damage to property. The Police also asked the protestors not to lead any procession or rally or raise slogans on their way to the protest location or while leaving.
Besides, it is also expected the Hindus and the Muslims participating in the Million March would swap their attires with one another. The Convenor of the TS and AP JAC said, “Non Muslims youth would be wearing traditional Muslim dress and Muslims in traditional Muslim apparel during the massive protest Million March organised by JAC today at Indira Park, Dharna Chowk in Lower Tank Bund.”
The decision to switch the attires came after a recent statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr. Modi said those causing violence and rioting could be identified based on their attires.
The Million March at Dharna Chowk would be held between 2:00 P.M., and 5:00 P.M.
Stay tuned for further updates.
