In Jodhpur, the atmosphere was one of jubilation as Hindu refugees from Pakistan welcomed the long-awaited implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Lighting lamps and setting off firecrackers, the residents of these settlements expressed their joy and relief as the Centre notified the CAA rules.
For many, this development symbolized the realization of their dreams, with one migrant comparing it to the concept of “Ram Rajya,” an era of ideal governance according to Hindu mythology. Dinesh Bheel, a Hindu migrant from Pakistan, voiced the sentiments of many, expressing hope that the implementation of CAA would expedite the process of obtaining Indian citizenship for those who had been waiting for years.
The rules unveiled by the Centre aim to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Perumal, another migrant, emphasized the significance of this move in improving the lives of distraught migrants, highlighting the potential for citizenship after six years of residency in India.
However, amidst the celebrations, there remains a sense of concern for those who arrived in India after the stipulated date. Hindu Singh Sodha, the president of Seemant Lok Sangthan, expressed disappointment over the exclusion of migrants who came after December 31, 2014, estimating that about 20,000 individuals could be affected by this condition.
The implementation of CAA rules marks a significant step for the Modi government, which aims to grant Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries. With immediate effect, these rules are expected to benefit around 35,000 migrants in Jodhpur alone, according to Seemant Lok Sangathan.
While the reduction in the residency period from 10-12 years to 6 years has been welcomed, there remains a call for inclusivity for those who arrived after December 31, 2014. The celebrations in Jodhpur reflect not only the relief of those directly affected but also the hope for a better future for Hindu refugees across the region.
