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Weeks after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the central government has officially notified the CAA-19 rules. This significant development has sparked debates and renewed discussions about the implications of the law.
Understanding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 (CAA-19) aims to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. The law specifically targets individuals who have faced religious persecution or fear of religious persecution in their countries of origin.
Key Provisions and Changes
Under the amended act, eligible migrants from these countries will benefit from accelerated citizenship, with the residence requirement reduced from twelve years to just six. This move is expected to ease the process of obtaining Indian citizenship for thousands of individuals who have faced persecution.
Exclusions and Exceptions
However, certain regions in India, particularly those mentioned under the Sixth Schedule and covered by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, are exempt from the CAA. These exclusions aim to protect the interests of tribal and indigenous communities in the North-Eastern region, preventing them from applying for citizenship under the CAA-2019.
Anti-CAA Protests and Controversies
The passage of the CAA in December 2019 sparked widespread protests across the country, lasting until February 2020. From Assam to Delhi, citizens expressed their opposition to various aspects of the law, leading to numerous arrests and casualties. The recent implementation of the CAA has reignited concerns about the resurgence of protests, with several organizations announcing plans to demonstrate against the government’s move.
Read also: Who is welcoming CAA and who is not? Central Govt implements CAA
Reaction to Implementation
Following the official notification of the CAA rules, protests erupted in Assam, with opposition parties criticizing the BJP-led central government for its decision. The contentious nature of the CAA continues to fuel political debates and societal tensions, highlighting the complexities surrounding issues of citizenship and religious identity in India.
