CHICAGO - A roaring protest rally was organized in Downtown Chicago in front of India’s Chicago Consulate on 26 January 2020.

Visibly, the ‘Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, (CIOGC),’ the ‘Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC),’ and the ‘Islamic Council of North America (ICNA)’ through its wing ‘ICNA Council for Social Justice (CSJ)’ were the organizers of this protest. Several Dalit and the Human Rights organizations also participated.

Over 200 participated. These included those carted from as far as Wisconsin and other cities adjoining Chicago. Milwaukee. The attendees, mostly Indian and Pakistani expatriates, seemingly belonged of one predominant religious denomination. Chicago-based Pakistani Community leaders were actively present amongst the crowd. Chicago-based Indian Community leaders who have been aggressively promoting this protest, through social media postings and calls, were conspicuous by absence; but the second ranking emerging leaders were present.

The protesters carried India’s National Flags, anti-CAA placards, and anti-India Government placards. India’s current ruling dispensation was the target of the sloganeering and speakers at the protest. The protesters raised slogans demanding repeal of CAA and change of government in India. Printed information material was also being distributed at the protest rally. An LED vehicle was used to spread protesters message at the Rally and areas around.

The attendees, mostly Indian and Pakistani expatriates, seemingly belonged of one predominant religious denomination. Chicago-based Pakistani Community leaders were actively present amongst the crowd. Chicago-based Indian Community leaders who have been aggressively promoting this protest, through social media postings and calls, were conspicuous by absence; but the second ranking emerging leaders were present.

Mr Hamid Khan led the speech session. The speakers included Ms Sana, Mr Irshad Khan, Chairman of the CIOGC. Mr Syed Iliyaz of Madina Islamic Academy, and several democratic congressional candidates who are contesting the ensuing elections. A strong posse of police was present throughout.