Ahmedabad, August 18: In a historic move today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah granted Indian citizenship to 188 Pakistani Hindus in Ahmedabad. This marks the first instance of citizenship being conferred in Gujarat under the newly implemented Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
188 Pakistani Hindus Receive Indian Status; 'Today Is a Golden Opportunity,' Says New Citizen pic.twitter.com/vnVqY7rhik
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Among those receiving their citizenship was a man who arrived in India from Pakistan in 2008. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “There were six of us when we arrived, and we faced numerous challenges. We struggled with school admissions and job opportunities for my father. The introduction of Aadhaar and PAN cards by Prime Minister Modi has significantly improved our lives. I am looking forward to reuniting with my father today and tomorrow.”
Another new citizen expressed gratitude, stating, “Today is a golden opportunity for us. I came to India in 2012, and after twelve years, I have finally received citizenship thanks to the CAA. I am extremely thankful to the government for supporting displaced Hindus.”
The ceremony represents a significant step in implementing the CAA, which aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries.
