620 Km long human chain in Kerala against CAA shows the power of a republic

On the 71st Republic day, Kerala witnessed the power of Indian unity.

Lakhs of people of all religions and faiths came together to form a 620 km long human chain against CAA.

This human chain from Kasargod in the north of Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the south was formed to register their protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act on Republic Day.

Organised by Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front, the protest saw lakhs of people -- including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- lining up along roads across the state.

Nearly 70 lakh people turned up for the protest on Sunday, the Left said.

Several newlyweds were also seen participating in the protest, billed as one of the biggest against the amended Citizenship law until now.

Pinarayi Vijayan, along with family members, stood in the chain at Palayam in the heart of the state capital.

While the protest was led by the Left, it also saw people with opposing political views standing united in resistance against the controversial law.

"This is our India and I stand united with everyone against the Citizenship Amendment Act," actress Sangeetha Mohan said.

On December 31, Kerala passed a unanimous resolution in the state Assembly against the Citizenship Amendment Act, becoming the first state to urge the centre to repeal the law.

Congress-ruled Punjab and Rajasthan are the other two states to have passed such a resolution.

On Republic day the constitution of India was read out in several mosques and churches in the state, which also saw hoisting of the national flag and prayers being offered for the nation.

The Left and Congress-led United Democratic Front, though principal political opponents have also held a joint protest against the Act last year.

The state has already declared that it will not implement the National Population Register.

The last time the LDF organised a similar human chain was on December 29, 2016, to protest against the hardships faced by the people following demonetisation.

On January 1, 2019, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government held a Women's Wall to uphold renaissance values and gender equality in society.