Parts of Chennai gridlocked as Muslim groups take out anti-CAA, NRC rally

Defying Madras High Court orders, hundreds of protesters drawn from different Muslim outfits across Tamil Nadu, began a rally towards Fort St. George, the state’s Secretariat on Wednesday (February 19) to demand the passage of a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR).

The protest call was given by a collective of Muslim outfits. The protesters who have installed a makeshift stage at Chepauk, began their march from Walajah Road in the morning. Scores of Muslim women have also joined the agitation.

The Muslim outfits in the state have demanded that the state Assembly adopt a resolution against the controversial legislation in the ongoing session, concluding tomorrow.

Although the protests against CAA and NRC have been happening in Chennai since February 14, the Madras High Court on Tuesday (February 18) restrained the Federation of Tamil Nadu Islamic and Political Organisations and its allied associations, from proceeding with their proposed rally to the Secretariat.

Heavy security has been deployed in and around Chepauk and near the Secretariat in view of the ongoing Assembly session. According to reports while the road connecting Chepauk to the Secretariat has been barricaded, riot police is on standby to handle crowds.

Earlier, protesters converged at Chepauk, resulting in traffic congestion at key points on the arterial Anna Salai. Anti-CAA protests were held elsewhere in the state, including Madurai and Tirunelveli, with members of the Muslim community hitting the streets against the CAA.

(With inputs from agencies)