Union Home Minister Amit Shah distributed citizenship certificates to 188 refugees in Ahmedabad under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Shah emphasized that the CAA aims to provide justice and rights to millions of refugees who have faced decades of injustice. He criticized opposition parties for their policies, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered on promises to grant citizenship to persecuted communities from neighboring countries.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah distributed citizenship certificates to 188 refugees in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). During the event, Shah highlighted the significance of the CAA, stating that it was not just about granting citizenship but also about delivering justice to those who have suffered for generations. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
Shah criticized previous governments for their appeasement policies, which he claimed deprived millions of refugees of their rights. He asserted that the Modi government fulfilled its promise made in 2014 to introduce the CAA, thereby providing justice to communities such as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, and Christians who fled persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Shah also pointed out that the CAA was misrepresented by opposition parties, leading to misinformation and unrest.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided justice to these lakhs and crores of people,” Shah said. “There can be no greater sin than depriving crores of refugees of citizenship due to the policy of appeasement.”
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in December 2019, aiming to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The law sparked widespread protests and was met with criticism, particularly over concerns that it discriminates against Muslims. The government, however, has maintained that the CAA is necessary to protect religious minorities from persecution in neighboring countries.
The implementation of the CAA has provided a path to citizenship for many who had previously lived in uncertainty for decades. For the refugees granted citizenship, this marks a significant change in their legal status, allowing them to access rights and services as Indian citizens. The event in Ahmedabad is seen as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the CAA and its objectives.
Critics of the CAA argue that the law undermines India’s secular fabric by excluding Muslims from its provisions. They claim that the law, coupled with the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), could lead to widespread disenfranchisement. Opposition parties have also accused the government of using the CAA to polarize voters along religious lines.
Shah also addressed concerns among refugees, assuring them that the CAA does not take away anyone’s citizenship and that those who apply under the CAA will retain their jobs, homes, and other rights. He urged refugees not to be swayed by misinformation and to apply for citizenship with confidence.
The distribution of citizenship certificates in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the CAA. As the government moves forward with this law, the debate over its implications continues, with strong views on both sides. However, for the 188 refugees who received their certificates, this event represents the culmination of a long and arduous journey toward recognition and belonging.
