Was First in Family to Apply for Citizenship Under CAA in Bengal, Now Others Will

In a significant development, an individual shares their experience of being the first in their family to apply for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Bengal. Join us as we explore the implications of this decision, discussing its impact on the community and the broader debate surrounding citizenship rights and immigration policies in India. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion on this pressing issue.

Politics Jun 1, 2024 0 109 Add to Reading List

Was First in Family to Apply for Citizenship Under CAA in Bengal, Now Others Will

"I Was the First in My Family to Apply for Citizenship Under CAA in Bengal, Now Others Will Follow," Says Individual

Eight Individuals in West Bengal Receive Their Indian Citizenship Certificates Under the Citizenship Amendment Act on Wednesday

The year was 2004. Bangladesh was under the governance of Khaleda Zia's administration. Although Debaprasad Gain cannot recall the precise date, he vividly remembers it being a dark and cold winter night.

"Five of us, all hailing from Dumuria in Khulna, embarked on the journey. It was approximately 1:30 am. Assisted by a tout, we crossed the Ichamati River and entered India via Hasnabad in North 24 Parganas. I had only ₹700 with me. Both the Bangladeshi and Indian touts demanded ₹100 each to facilitate our border crossing," recounted Gain.

"The 38-year-old is one of the eight individuals in West Bengal who received their Indian citizenship certificates from the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday.

"Hindu men were murdered, and women were subjected to rape. Anyone who dared to protest would either meet the same fate or face imprisonment on fabricated charges. I, too, spent three years in Khulna jail. Upon my release, a prison staff member handed me ₹700 and urged me to flee to India. Without even returning home, I immediately made my way to India. My family and relatives followed suit later," he informed HT.

Gain, who now possesses an Aadhaar card, an election ID card, a ration card, and even an Indian Passport, operates a small shop selling wooden furniture in New Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas. A Hindu couple, who had migrated from Bangladesh before him, assisted him in finding a home in a slum and establishing himself.

"I was the first in my family to initiate the process of applying for Indian citizenship as others were apprehensive. Now, they are inclined to follow suit. Despite possessing all necessary documents, some locals used to mock me due to my Bangladeshi origins. Today, I proudly declare myself as an Indian," expressed Gain, a member of the Matua community.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act emerged as a significant political issue leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. The ruling TMC asserted that it would not aid refugees and declared its opposition to its implementation in the state.

Among those who received the certificates were a couple, Sharbari Das, 52, and her husband, who preferred to remain anonymous. They had crossed over to India on September 5, 1994.

"We possess all the documents, including the Aadhaar card, PAN card, and EPIC (Election ID card). However, deep down, we harbored doubts about their authenticity and legitimacy. We always feared that even our children might encounter difficulties in the future. Therefore, we decided to apply for Indian citizenship. Now, we are legitimate citizens of India. This sentiment is beyond words," expressed Sharbari's husband, who earns a livelihood by providing tuition.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act expedites citizenship for Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, Parsi, and Sikh refugees who arrived in India from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh before December 31, 2014, to escape religious persecution.

A segment of the Matua community, a Hindu sub-caste under the SC category in West Bengal, has been advocating for the implementation of the law that would grant them Indian citizenship. The community is spread across at least 70 of the state's 294 assembly seats, covering at least seven Lok Sabha constituencies.

Although 52-year-old Santilata Biswas received her citizenship document on Wednesday, her husband's application is still pending.

"The officials have assured me that my application won't be rejected. They asked me to bring just one more document. We didn't face any harassment during the process. The officials at the post office were very helpful," said Tarak Biswas, a 59-year-old laborer from the Matua community. Biswas mentioned that he was just 17 when he crossed the border from his ancestral home in Bangladesh's Khulna district to enter India.

"I can't explain the feeling... We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shantanu Thakur (BJP MP and leader of the All India Matua Mahasangha). I would urge everyone who came to India like us to apply for citizenship," he said.