Protest at Mecca Masjid, Charminar after Jumma Namaz

Hyderabad: In the wake of raging CAA protests across the country, fifteen protestors have been detained by Hyderabad police, as they took out a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act on December 20 from Mecca Masjid.

Several Muslim protestors took to the streets of Old City after their customary Friday prayers. The slogans of Azaadi and 'NRC go back' reverberated across Nampally following the protest. Protests broke out simultaneously in several other parts of the city such as Ameerpet, Tolichowki, Mehdipatnam, Santosh Nagar, Chanchalguda, Saidabad and Banjara hills after the Friday prayers.

Concurrently, a rally comprising of 100 Muslim spiritual leaders were held at Santhosh Nagar. However, the situation was brought under control at various locations where the protest broke out.

Foreseeing the protests, Hyderabad police had deployed Rapid Action Force in and around the Mecca Masjid and Charminar to assist the law and order personnel, besides Hyderabad Traffic cops. Heavy police bandobast was witnessed at the historic site. Two contingents of police including the City's Armed force, Task force, teams of home guards and female cops were deployed in order to keep the situation under control.

Several women had also taken part in the protests after the Friday prayers. While the permission to conduct protests was obtained by the concerned citizens at Chanchalguda, it was granted under the condition that no slogans will be raised, and that only placards may be used.

However, after the detention of the protestors, it was business as usual at Charminar. Tourists began streaming into the place, with no traces left of the resistance.

Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishen Reddy appealed to people not to resort to protest. 'There is not a single word of line against any Indian citizens in the act( referring to Citizen Amendment Act). I also ask political parties and intellectuals who are misleading people, are you trying to divide people on basis of religion' the minister told reporters

Meanwhile Hyderabad MP and AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi is likely to hold a gathering with party members and supports at Darussalam on Saturday evening.