CAA 2019 and Protest

In this winter session of a parliament, the government reintroduced the citizenship amendment bill which was previously lapsed. This time with an overwhelming majority government passed the bill in both the houses now it is the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019. This act brings a lot of disturbance within and outside the parliament.

This amendment makes some changes to the Citizenship Act 1955. As per this 2019 Amendment which inserted section 6(b) in the Act of 1955 which relaxes the provision for acquiring citizenship by naturalization to illegal religious minority (Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian)  migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Changes

Indian constitution in part 2, provides for the citizenship criteria (Article 5 to 11). There are four methods of acquiring citizenship. 1. By birth, 2. By descent, 3. By naturalization and 4 By incorporation of territory. This amendment makes certain changes in the naturalization process. under this, if a person wants to get Indian citizenship he or she can apply to the central government if he qualifies for the provision of section 5. He or she must not be an illegal migrant and residing or working in government for the previous 12 months and for  11 of the previous 14 years before the date of application. Now The qualification of the year of residence in India is relaxed for the above-mentioned class. Now the person applying for the same has to reside 12 months and not less than 5 years before application.

People are protesting…

India is on the boil due to this Act. People are on the road across the nation against the Act and want that to repeal the law, People have different concern from this.

1. It is against Muslims by not including only Muslims.
2. People of the Northeast are against due to harm to their indigenous culture and tribal areas.
3. A benefit to the Hindus who left out of NRC exercise and target Muslims of India.
4. Creation of Hindu Rastra
5. Harm to Secularism
6. Violation of Article 14 (Equality before law)

Addressing every issue, first of all, it has no connection with people of India either majority or minorities it is applicable only to those who are religious minorities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before Dec 31, 2014. As these mentioned countries are Muslim state and there are cases of religious prosecution so these communities move to India in order to settle. Some part of Northeast which is under the sixth schedule is exempted from this and other under Inner line permit. If we look at another side the process of naturalization is as it is and people who qualify for that can apply for citizenship. It also does not violate Article 14 which states equality before the law for both residents and foreigner but it applies to the same class of people. By including all minorities of the mentioned country it passes article 14.

Right to protest.

Our constitution gives us the right to protest and this is the feature of a vibrant democracy where citizens can show their disapproval by protesting against the policy which they think is not suitable or unconstitutional. But it should be peaceful without damaging the life and property.

It is a bitter truth that unless and until protestors did not cause disturbance to the normal life, no one notices them and works for their cause and doesn’t give a dam to the persons who are on satyagraha. But this surely is not fair and take law in hand. Yes we have the right to protest but by keeping in mind that our effort did not take rights of others on the street

This protest became very violent across the country starting from university to most of the cities and protestors became violent causing harm to public property and attacking police. This is surely the wrong way to protest. Remember Gandhi JI who fought peacefully against every evil with his satyagraha without damaging anything.

Police are not made to face your stones they are also human beings. By targeting police personnel you are targeting your security. In the need, everyone calls Police but think how they will help you when you burnt all their infrastructure, they use the vehicle to reach on time but you already burnt it. What is the harm of government or police when you damage the public property? CLearly saying nothing, only you have to suffer because of it is your asset. just for reference cluster bus( orange in Delhi) cost around 60 lakh to the exchequer and when you put the buses on fire what happens from next day that much buses are not in the fleet to serve you. Then again we cry for the shortage of buses. Due to your violent protest, normal people have to suffer the most and no one besides them. Think of a person who parked his car and when he came back he found ash there. Stone pelting will hit police and in response, they will hurt you to make the situation under control.

Yes, we have the right to protest but not at the cost of others. Before deciding on any issue at least understand it. Does it really harm our interest and to the best conclusion is that CAA does not take away the citizenship of anyone, it provides citizenship. Your fear may or may not be valid, you protest but always keep it will not harm anyone or property. Think who is suffering from road jam, Internet suspension, and business closure.

NOTE: Views are personal and your suggestions and correction are welcome. It is just my thought.

Divyanshu Singh