The central government on Monday announced rules for the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, four years after the controversial law was passed. Security was tightened in many parts of Delhi as paramilitary personnel carried out night patrols and flag marches in the northeastern parts of the city, Shaheen Bagh.
The CAA Bill was passed in Parliament on 11 December 2019. This led to widespread protests across the country, including Delhi, which witnessed months of anti-CAA protests in 2019–20, with Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh being the epicenters of the unrest. . In early 2020, the city also witnessed communal riots in its northeastern parts over the issue, in which 53 people were killed and more than 500 injured.
The Citizenship Amendment Act aims to speed up the acquisition of Indian citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, couples and Christians, but not Muslims who have migrated to India due to religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Delhi Police has tightened security in North East Delhi, Shaheen Bagh, Jamia and other sensitive areas across the national capital.
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in December 2019 and received presidential assent. However, the Act could not come into force as rules have to be notified for its implementation.
It was enacted by the Indian Parliament on 11 December 2019. The Act amended the Citizenship Act of 1955 by offering a pathway to Indian citizenship for minority religions from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Pari or Christians who arrived in of India before the end of December 2014.
It does not include Muslims who migrated to India due to religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The 2019 announcement caused major nationwide protests against the CAA, with over 100 people reported to have lost their lives.
