“US-Based Advocacy Group Applauds India’s CAA Implementation as Victory for Persecuted Minorities”
Last Updated on March 14, 2024 11:08 am
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a prominent advocacy group based in the United States, has lauded India’s formal notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Terming it a ‘big win’ for persecuted religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, CoHNA emphasized the significance of this move in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable communities.
Highlighting the humanitarian aspect, CoHNA underscored that the CAA rules do not impact the citizenship status of existing Indian citizens, irrespective of their faith. Instead, it expedites the citizenship process for religious minorities who fled neighboring countries due to severe persecution.
The group shed light on the harrowing plight faced by minority communities in these countries, particularly citing cases of forced conversions and marriages of minor girls, which have driven families to seek refuge in India for basic safety.
Moreover, CoHNA revealed its efforts in debunking misinformation surrounding the CAA through an extensive education and advocacy campaign. It urged residents in the US and Canada to educate themselves and others about the CAA rules to counter false narratives.
The implementation of the CAA comes after significant delays, with protests erupting across India following its passage in Parliament in 2019. Despite the contentious nature of the legislation, the CoHNA sees it as a crucial step towards addressing the persecution faced by non-Muslim migrants.
With the formal notification of the CAA, eligible individuals can now apply for Indian citizenship through an online portal provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This move marks a significant milestone in fulfilling the electoral promise of the BJP government and addressing the long-standing concerns of persecuted minorities.
However, it’s worth noting that certain politically sensitive regions like Assam and West Bengal have not yet been empowered to grant citizenship under the CAA, indicating ongoing complexities surrounding the issue.
As India takes steps to implement the CAA, CoHNA’s endorsement underscores the importance of prioritizing the rights and safety of persecuted minorities, not just within India but across the South Asian region.