Amit Shah Reassures Persecuted Refugees and Affirms Equal Rights Under CAA

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the inclusive nature of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) during an interview with ANI, reassuring persecuted refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. He affirmed that all individuals granted citizenship under the CAA would receive equal rights and emphasized the retrospective effect of the law. Shah addressed concerns about illegal entry into India, stating that no criminal cases would be filed against refugees.

He clarified that the CAA aimed to provide rights to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians, and Parsis, without discrimination based on religion. Shah highlighted the eligibility of CAA beneficiaries to participate in elections and hold public offices. He underscored the government’s commitment to resolving documentation issues for applicants and reiterated that Muslims also had the right to apply for citizenship under existing constitutional provisions.

The Home Minister condemned opposition leaders’ characterization of the CAA as anti-Muslim, emphasizing the law’s objective to protect persecuted minorities. Shah argued that the CAA aligned with India’s moral responsibility to provide refuge to persecuted individuals and addressed demographic shifts resulting from historical partition events.