Hope and Disappointment: Divergent Reactions to CAA Rules Notification

The notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) rules has evoked contrasting responses among refugees and residents in Delhi. While Hindu refugees from Pakistan express hope for the grant of citizenship soon, seeing the notification as a positive step towards resolving their struggles, a sense of dismay lingers in Shaheen Bagh, where protests against the legislation had surged four years ago.

For refugees like Dharamvir Solanki, the notification signifies a beacon of hope, as they envision an end to their hardships and an official recognition of their status as Indian citizens. Conversely, residents like Nargis Khan in Shaheen Bagh express disappointment, reflecting a feeling of defeat among those who actively protested against the CAA in 2019. The detention of protesting Delhi University students and the heavy police presence at Jamia Milia Islamia campus further highlight the polarized sentiments surrounding the CAA implementation.