The protests at Park Circus Maidan since the beginning of the month have spawned several demonstrations in other pockets of Kolkata in the past few days. Organizers say localized protests are helping them draw supporters and connect with fence-sitters. TOI visited the other Shaheen Baghs that have recently come up across the city
Zakaria StreetProtest started | January 10
Crowd count | More than 2,000
people observed a day-long fast on January 22, the day the petitions on
CAA came up for hearing in the Supreme Court, and broke bread at the spot in the evening.
Since then, thousands have been thronging the site right in front of
Nakhoda Mosque every day to protest against CAA and NRC. A separate enclosure has been set up where women are keeping a vigil round the clock. Several activists have also delivered speeches here to make the people aware of how CAA discriminates on the basis of religion.
SN Banerjee RoadProtest started | January 21
Crowd count | More than 2,500 people assembled here on January 21, a day before the petitions came up for hearing in the Supreme Court. The demonstration in the heart of the city has picked up momentum in the past two days with more and more joining in. Students are keeping the energy up with slogans against policies of the BJP government.
Seniors at the protest, however, have cautioned the youngsters against blocking vehicles or stepping out of the area cordoned off for the protesters. “We have invited several intellectuals and members of the civil society who will be addressing the protesters soon,” said one of the organizers.
Nawab Ali Park in EkbalporeProtest started | January 18
Crowd count | More than 1,000 people broke bread here after a day-long fast on January 22. Several local residents were visiting Park Circus Maidan every day when a group decided to organize a sit-in right here. “Firstly, several people from the Port area were not being able to commute so far every day. Secondly, we can connect with more people if we decentralize and start a movement in each of our neighbourhoods. Of course, if there is a bigger programme, all of us can join hands,” said one of the organizers.
Howrah PilkhanaProtest started | January 17
Crowd count | Everyday, hundreds of women and
children visit the protest venue off GT Road in Pilkhana. And every evening, students from local colleges visit the place and raise slogans against CAA and NRC and perform street plays. “People bring food for us. Students bring sweets for the children and also help us write posters. We are overwhelmed by the support we are receiving from people of all faiths,” said Shama Khatoon, a homemaker in Pilkhana.