Dehradun: A significant development has taken place in Uttarakhand as 153 Hindu refugees from Pakistan and Afghanistan have been granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019.
The decision comes after a thorough investigation by the Home Department of the Government of India and the Uttarakhand administration.
147 refugees are from Pakistan and six from Afghanistan
Out of the total, 147 refugees are from Pakistan and six from Afghanistan. Reports suggest that most of them belong to Sindh and Balochistan regions of Pakistan. Many of their relatives are already settled in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, which is why they found refuge in Uttarakhand.
The priest family of Mata Hinglaj Temple, one of the Shaktipeeths of undivided India, is also among those who have been granted citizenship. Their inclusion highlights the cultural and religious significance of the decision.
CAA allows Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians
The CAA, passed by Parliament in 2019 and approved by the President, amended the Citizenship Act of 1955. It allows Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who faced religious persecution to gain Indian citizenship, provided they entered India before December 31, 2014.
At the time of its passage, the law faced strong opposition and protests from various political and social groups. However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clarified in Parliament that the amendment was necessary to protect persecuted minorities from neighboring countries that were once part of undivided India.
400 people across India have been granted citizenship
So far, about 400 people across India have been granted citizenship under this law. In Uttarakhand, 189 people had applied, and 153 have now been approved. The applications of 51 others are still under consideration.
Organizations like Seema Jagran Manch played a key role in identifying eligible refugees, helping them fill applications, and coordinating with the Home Department. After verification, the applications were accepted by the Government of India.
Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the decision
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the decision, stating that the Modi government has alleviated the difficulties faced by Hindu families seeking refuge in India. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, adding that attempts by the opposition to spread confusion about the law had failed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Uttarakhand on March 7. During his event in Haridwar, the newly recognized citizens will be honored, marking a historic moment for these families who had long awaited Indian citizenship.