In Guwahati, the esteemed vocalist Zubeen Garg expressed adamant opposition towards the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, commonly referred to as CAA, asserting that the populace of Assam harbors unwavering resistance against it. He emphasized the necessity of sustaining protests against this legislation, albeit advocating for a peaceful approach devoid of any violent acts.
Garg articulated his unwavering stance against the Act since its nascent stages in 2017 when it was first proposed as a bill. He vowed to persist in his opposition, advocating for collective endeavors aimed at legally challenging and ultimately nullifying the Act. Through a meticulously crafted Facebook post, he reiterated his commitment to the cause.
While acknowledging the imperative nature of dissent against the CAA, Garg underscored the importance of adopting diverse methodologies in voicing opposition. He lamented the tragic loss of lives during past movements, including the Assam Agitation and the anti-CAA protests of 2019, stressing the imperative of preventing further casualties stemming from demonstrations.
“I shall continue to vocalize my dissent against the CAA through various channels, be it onstage performances or social media platforms,” declared Garg, revered as a beacon of youth representation in the region. He decried the government’s endeavors to enforce the CAA, asserting the staunch refusal of Assamese people to embrace it.
Emphasizing the cohesive fabric of Assamese society, Garg vehemently rejected any attempts to foment discord along religious lines, asserting the exclusive ownership of Assam by its indigenous populace. In reference to ongoing litigation in the Supreme Court, he implored for unified efforts in legal battles, placing unwavering trust in the judicial system.
Alongside Garg, numerous eminent personalities across various domains voiced opposition to the CAA during the zenith of the anti-CAA movement in 2019. Collaborating with leaders of diverse social factions, they utilized artistic expressions such as songs and poetry to articulate dissent.
Subsequently, many of these individuals aligned themselves with disparate political entities, spanning from the BJP to the Congress. The CAA, in essence, endeavors to confer Indian citizenship upon individuals belonging to Hindu, Jain, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Parsi faiths who migrated to India on or before December 31, 2014, from neighboring nations such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, following a five-year residency.
