The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has ignited heated arguments across India. Amid the excitement, one inquiry sticks out: For what reason do Parsis and Christians fit the bill for the CAA, while Muslims don’t? We should dive into the complexities of this disagreeable issue.
The CAA’s Intent
The CAA expects to assist the naturalization cycle for explicitly strict minorities who looked for refuge in India from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh before December 31, 2014. These minorities confronted mistreatment in their nations of origin, and the CAA looks to give them a place of refuge. Reports have caused a stir in the consideration of Parsis and Christians, who were not initially brought into existence in India. Why stretch out this honor to them while barring Muslims? Home Minister Amit Shah offers a clarification.
The Concept Of Akhand Bharat
Amit Shah invokes the concept of Akhand Bharat, envisioning a united, greater India that spans beyond its current borders. This vision encompasses modern-day Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. According to Amit Shah, this broader perspective informs the CAA’s provisions. When asked why the CAA Act allowed even Parsis and Christians religions that are not born in India, to seek citizenship, but not Muslims, he said in an interview with ANI,
“That (area) is not a part of India today because of a Muslim population. It was given to them. I believe it is our moral and Constitutional responsibility to give shelter to those who were part of Akhand Bharat and suffered religious persecution.”
The Decline Of Hindu Populations
Amit Shah points out that Hindus constituted 23% of Pakistan’s population during Partition. So today, that number has dwindled to a mere 3.7%. Thus, forced conversions, humiliation, and second-class treatment drove many Hindus to seek refuge in India. The situation in Bangladesh mirrors this decline, where the Hindu population dropped from 22% in 1951 to 10% in 2011. He said,
“Hindus accounted for 23 percent of Pakistan’s population at the time of the partition. Now it is down to 3.7 percent. Where did they go? These many people did not come here. Forced conversion took place, they were humiliated, treated as second-class citizens. Where will they go? Shouldn’t our Parliament and political parties take a decision on this?”
The Plight Of Sikhs And Hindus In Afghanistan
Afghanistan, too, witnessed a tragic decline. In 1992, the country was home to around 2 lakh Sikhs and Hindus. Today, only 500 remain. Also, these persecuted communities deserve the right to live according to their religious beliefs. Addressing concerns about Shia, Baloch, and Ahmadiyya Muslims. Also, Amit Shah emphasizes that the CAA is not an exclusionary act. Even Muslims can apply for Indian citizenship. Therefore, the Constitution provides a pathway, and the government will consider national security and other factors.
A Solution For The Document-Less
What about those without any documents? Shah assures that solutions will be found. His estimate suggests that over 85% of them possess relevant paperwork. In this complex landscape, the CAA remains a topic of intense debate as India grapples with its past and present. Thus, the quest for justice and compassion continues.
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