New Delhi : In response to concerns raised after the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a press note emphasizing that the CAA will not impact the citizenship of Indian Muslims. The MHA clarified that no Indian citizen, irrespective of religion, would be required to provide additional documentation to prove their citizenship under the Act.
The press note, titled "positive narrative on CAA, 2019," addressed eight questions regarding the Act's impact on Islam and Muslims. However, the document was later removed from the government's website.
The CAA, which grants citizenship based on religion to undocumented immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2014, has sparked concerns, particularly among the Muslim community. The Act, coupled with the potential compilation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), has led to protests and riots in various parts of the country.
While the government reiterated that there are no plans to implement the NRC at a national level, concerns persist as the Citizenship Rules 2003 allow for the updating of the National Population Register (NPR), a precursor to the NRC.
The MHA emphasized that the CAA aims to provide refuge to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries and does not affect the naturalization laws for Indian citizenship. It also clarified that there are no provisions for repatriating illegal Muslim migrants to their countries of origin.
Despite these assurances, apprehensions remain among certain sections of society, including Muslims and students. However, the government maintains that the CAA is not discriminatory and is aimed at protecting persecuted minorities while upholding India's inclusive ethos.
As debates surrounding the CAA continue, the government faces the challenge of addressing concerns and ensuring clarity on the Act's implications for all citizens.
Ayaz Mughal
