Dehradun: Since the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was enacted, many Hindu refugees have received Indian citizenship. In Uttarakhand, 153 individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, mostly Hindus, have been granted citizenship.
Currently, about 40 to 50 more applications from refugees living in Dehradun are still under review.
When refugees apply for citizenship in India, there’s a thorough verification process between state and central governments. Only after careful checks and investigations is citizenship granted.
Of the 153 people who became citizens in Uttarakhand, six are from Afghanistan and 147 from Pakistan. Most of these refugees have settled in Dehradun, but others reside in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Uttarkashi.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami talked about the CAA, highlighting its purpose. He noted that the Act allows persecuted groups, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains from neighboring countries, to find safety and dignity in India. He emphasized that this is not just a policy but a reflection of India’s humanitarian values and a link to national pride for Hindus worldwide.
The CAA, passed in December 2019, amends the Citizenship Act of 1955. It provides a faster route to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees who entered India before December 31, 2014. This Act aims to help those fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It was officially implemented on March 11, 2024, and continues to impact many lives today.
In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, a majority of Indians expressed support for the CAA, viewing it as a necessary measure for protecting persecuted communities. However, there remains a significant portion of the population critical of the Act, citing concerns over its implications for secularism in India.
The CAA has sparked debates and discussions on social media, with hashtags like #CAAProtests trending during its introduction. Many argue for inclusivity and equal treatment of all refugees, regardless of religion.
The Act continues to shape the conversation around citizenship and human rights in India. As conditions evolve, it will be essential to watch how policies and public opinion further develop in light of ongoing global migration challenges.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full text of the CAA on the Government of India’s official website.
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PAKISTANI GET INDIAN CITIZENSHIP, UTTARAKHAND REFUGEE CITIZENSHIP, 153 REFUGEES GRANTED CITIZENSHIP, CAA IN UTTARAKHAND, CAA IN UTTARAKHAND: 153 REFUGEES GRANTED INDIAN CITIZENSHIP
