Muslim professionals strengthen anti-CAA protests across Telangana

HYDERABAD: Recent weeks have seen thousands of people from across the city and the state taking to the streets protesting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). However, one of the striking features about these protests is that several Muslim professionals have slipped into the role of an activist. Many of them organised or helped organise the protests in a big way.
For instance, as many as 800 advocates, mostly from the community, joined Telangana State Advocates Joint Action Committee (JAC) within just 15 days after it was floated.
There are about 7,000 practising advocates in the state. The JAC approached several professionals who can help out with the protests, and the committee includes a few non-Muslim advocates, and women, too. “We are trying to get in touch with as many people as possible, we were very active at Nampally criminal court, and other courts around the city,” founder of the group, Suhail Malik, who now dons the role of a public relations officer, told TOI. “Many people from the districts will also join us soon.”
The group mainly renders legal help free of cost to activists who were arrested during the protests, besides participating in anti-CAA protests. “Group members debate on these subjects to enhance their knowledge and to help people,” said Hameed, one of the key members of the JAC. He said that the group has been able to help many people.
Interestingly, the group is being approached by several NGOs and religious groups to seek clarity and information on National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). “Many people are worried as they do not have birth certificate, so we explain them about NPR and how to apply for birth certificate,” said a member of the JAC.
While lawyers have been at the forefront of the protests, efforts are also being made to engage doctors and other professionals.