20 Afghan Sikhs granted Indian Citizenship under CAA; 380 cases still pending
PTC Web Desk: As many as 20 Afghan Sikhs have been granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). On the other hand, approximately 380 cases remain pending with the Central Government.
According to information, around 400 Afghan Sikhs fled to India in 1992 due to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Many settled in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana, while others established themselves in different parts of the country. These Sikh families had to extend their visas to stay in India.
In 2009, the UPA government, led by Congress, relaxed the long-term visa (LTV) norms for Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Applications were submitted under the 1955 Citizenship Act; however, these applications have been pending with the Central Government since then.
Last month, Afghan Sikhs petitioned the Ministry of Home Affairs to convert their 1955 Act applications to CAA applications. Following this petition in April, the Central Government reviewed the cases, resulting in 20 Afghan Sikhs receiving Indian citizenship.
Many Afghan Sikhs who arrived in India in 1992 have lost their documents over the years. Some no longer possess passports, and others have lost essential documents. Earlier, state government intervention was required for application processing, but this requirement was removed under the CAA, expediting the processing of their applications.
Afghan Sikhs have struggled for 32 years to obtain Indian citizenship, often having to renew their long-term visas annually. Many had to make frequent trips to Chandigarh or Delhi, which became increasingly difficult for the elderly. Some even passed away while waiting for citizenship.
Now, with Indian citizenship certificates in hand, these Afghan Sikhs can apply for passports and Indian identity cards.
- With inputs from our correspondent
