NEW DELHI: As protests against the notification of rules for the implementation of the controversial Citizenship Act (CAA) intensified, the central government responded to the criticism. The government has clarified that the CAA will not affect the citizenship of Muslims. The Center explained that there is no need to worry about this. Under the current law, Muslims are not barred from applying for citizenship. The government also explains that the purpose of the law is to control illegal immigration.
Read Also: ‘What is the government’s obstacle? Do you join hands with the accused?’: Supreme Court in Thondimuta case
The central government has notified rules to grant Indian citizenship to people belonging to 6 religions, except Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The government came out with a direct explanation while there was a huge protest in the country against the exclusion of Muslims. Questions related to CAA are clarified in question and answer format.
∙ How will this affect Muslims living in India?
CAA has nothing to do with the 18 crore Muslims currently living in India. Nothing in this affects their Indian citizenship. Muslims in India will continue to have all the same rights as Hindus. In order to implement the CAA, even an Indian citizen will not be required to provide documents to prove their citizenship.
∙ Is there a move to repatriate illegal Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan?
India does not have an agreement with any of the three countries to send migrants back to these countries. CAA has nothing to do with deporting illegal immigrants. Therefore, the apprehensions of a section of Muslims and students that the CAA is against Muslim minorities have no basis.
∙ Who are illegal immigrants?
As in the Citizenship Act of 1955, illegal immigrants under the CAA are foreigners who enter India without valid documents.
∙ How will CAA affect the image of Islam?
Due to the violence and persecution of minorities in the above mentioned three countries, the image of Islam is getting worse all over the world. At the same time, Islam, a religion of peace, never promotes religious violence, hatred or persecution. CAA is a means of showing mercy to the victims. Moreover, it protects the image of Islam in front of the world because of such tortures.
∙ Does CAA prevent Muslims from seeking Indian citizenship?
no Under Section 6 of the Indian Citizenship Act, the CAA does not detract from the right of Muslims from any part of the world to apply for Indian citizenship.
∙ Why is CAA necessary?
CAA ensures that the minorities who are persecuted in these three countries have the opportunity to take Indian citizenship for a happy and prosperous future according to the cultural identity of India.
∙ What are the other steps taken by the central government with similar objectives?
In 2016, the government decided to grant long-term visas to minorities from these three countries to stay in India.
∙ Will Muslim immigrants from foreign countries be restricted in any way?
CAA does not affect natural laws in any way. Therefore, there is no bar for Muslim immigrants from any foreign country to apply for Indian citizenship as per the current laws. In these three countries, Muslims who are persecuted for following their own style of customs can also apply for Indian citizenship according to the current laws.
2024-03-12 15:20:46
#CAA #Indias #crore #Muslims #affect #citizenship #Center #explains
