Amit Shah Clarifies Why Parsis, Christians Eligible Under CAA But Not Muslims

Amidst the ongoing debates surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a crucial question regarding the eligibility criteria for citizenship. He shed light on why Parsis and Christians are considered eligible under the CAA while Muslims are not. The CAA aims to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

During an interview with news agency ANI, Mr. Shah was asked to explain why the Act extends eligibility to Parsis and Christians, who are not native to India, while excluding Muslims. In response, he emphasized the historical and moral obligation to provide refuge to those who faced religious persecution in territories that were once part of Akhand Bharat, a concept denoting a united greater India encompassing several neighboring countries.

Mr. Shah highlighted the decline in the Hindu population in Pakistan and Bangladesh since Partition, attributing it to forced conversions and persecution. He stressed the need for Parliament and political parties to address the plight of these persecuted communities.

Referring to the dwindling Sikh and Hindu populations in Afghanistan, he emphasized their right to live according to their religious beliefs and asserted their bond with India as “brothers, sisters, and mothers.”

Addressing concerns about other persecuted communities such as Shia, Baloch, and Ahmadiyya Muslims, Mr. Shah noted that Muslims could also apply for citizenship in India. However, he clarified that the CAA specifically caters to persecuted minorities from the mentioned countries who entered India without valid documents.

Responding to queries about individuals lacking documentation, Mr. Shah assured that solutions would be sought for them, estimating that a significant majority already possessed documents.