New Delhi, March 11, 2024 – The Indian government has officially notified the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a law that has been at the center of widespread debate since its inception in December 2019.
The CAA aims to provide a fast-track to Indian citizenship for persecuted religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Specifically, it mentions Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who arrived in India by the end of 2014. Notably, the act does not include Muslim migrants, which has led to significant controversy and claims of discrimination.
Critics argue that the CAA undermines the secular framework of India's constitution by excluding one religious group. Protests erupted nationwide following the act's passage, reflecting concerns over its implications for India's diverse social fabric.
The government, however, maintains that the CAA is a humanitarian gesture, aimed at protecting those who have faced religious persecution in their home countries. Officials have repeatedly assured that the act does not affect the citizenship status of Indian Muslims.
As the CAA comes into effect, its impact on the nation's political and social landscape remains to be seen. The government's move comes just days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule, marking a significant moment in India's ongoing citizenship debate.
