BJP Govt. fulfills 2014 election promise.
By Sreekanth A. Nair
In a move that could be termed controversial by the opposition, the Modi government may soon allow Hindu migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh to seek Indian citizenship.
The government is likely to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, which will exempt minority communities from Pakistan and Bangladesh who have fled to India fearing religious prosecution being branded as ‘illegal immigrants,’ reported The Times of India.
The ruling BJP had promised to provide citizenship to Hindu migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh in its manifesto for 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Once the amendment is passed, the refugees can continue to stay in India and continue with the procedures to get citizenship. About 200,000 Hindus who have taken refuge in India fearing religious prosecution and facing violence in the neighboring countries will benefit from the decision.
It’s estimated that 2000 to 5000 Hindus flee to India from Pakistan every year where blasphemy laws are too strong and minority communities are always at the receiving end. In Bangladesh also Hindu minority community is facing a threat of communal violence and attacks targeting them showing a rising trend.
Illegal immigration has also created tensions in Indian states such as West Bengal, and Assam that borders with Bangladesh.
While Hindu refugees are welcomed to India, Muslim immigrants who leave their country for economic benefits and better living conditions are not encouraged. The move is seen as the government’s desire to brand itself as the savior of Hindus across the world.
Refugees who have come to India before December 31, 2014, will be able to apply for citizenship as it is likely to be the cut-off date. The government has also decided to reduce the registration fees from Rupees 15000 to Rupees 100.
However, other refugees whose documents have expired will be allowed to stay in the country. The differentiation between refugees seeking political protection and seeking economic benefit is in accordance with international norms and definition of who is a refugee.
Though India has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention which makes it compulsory to UN member countries to accept refugees fleeing from war or religious prosecution, the country always welcomes Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Recently, the government had moved a proposal to provide Aadhaar cards, driving license and PAN cards to long-term visa holders.