Parsis and Christians Eligible Under CAA, Not Muslims: Amit Shah Explains

Home Minister Amit Shah addressed questions about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which aims to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. He explained why the Act includes Parsis and Christians but not Muslims.

Amit Shah on CAA

Shah stated that the Act seeks to offer refuge to those who suffered religious persecution and were once part of the historical concept of Akhand Bharat, a united greater India. He emphasized the decline in the Hindu population in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan due to forced conversion and mistreatment.

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He highlighted the significant decrease in Hindu and Sikh populations in these countries over the years and stressed their right to live according to their religious beliefs. Shah mentioned that the CAA is a special provision for persecuted minorities from specific countries who crossed the border without proper documentation.

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Regarding other persecuted communities like Shia, Baloch, and Ahmadiyya Muslims, Shah mentioned that while the Act primarily focuses on minorities from the mentioned countries, Muslims can still apply for citizenship under existing constitutional provisions, with decisions made considering national security and other factors.

Asked what about those who have no documents at all, Mr Shah said, “We will find a solution for those who do not have documents. But as per my estimates, more than 85 per cent of them have documents.”