‘Fortress’, December 19 2019

Returning to the Jama-Masjid during the Muslim riots on December 19 - as part of the protests across India in response to the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act, which allows fast-tracked naturalisation for immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan belonging to six religions vis-a-vis Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Jainism and Buddhism. The Act has been considered as discriminatory towards Muslims and threatening to their existence in India.

Every night we walk home on the main road pass this Mosque but never see it gated, but on this night it is shut and blocked off with bollards. Undoubtedly it is an impromptu shelter for displaced Muslim families. A sacred oasis repurposed immediately out of necessity.