Granting Refuge to Afghan Citizen

 

Context :

India may grant refuge to Afghan citizens facing threat from Taliban  /  HT  /  15 Aug 2021

Extract :

Ø  The Indian government may grant refuge to Afghan citizens, especially those facing threats or fearing persecution from the Taliban, against the backdrop of the rapid deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan.

Ø  Among those who are likely to be granted refuge are political leaders or activists, human rights workers, media personnel, members of minorities and people who have worked with the Indian government, the people said

 

My Take :

 

About 2 years ago, there was a raging controversy in the country in respect of proposed amendments in Section 2 of CAA ( Citizenship Amendment Act – 2019 )

At that time, I suggested some compromise re-phrasing , which would meet the desired objectives while, at the same time, overcome the objections raised by the opposition

These (suggestions ) were sent through following e-mail :

Ø  CAA Compromise : With Malice towards None……………….[ 22 Jan 2020 ]

 

Extract :

Short Title :

        This Act may be called the

          “  Religiously Persecuted Foreign Minorities ( grant of Citizenship )

          Act, 2020   [  RPFM  ] “

 

             

Ø     Amendment of section 2 :

Under this amendment, Indian “ Certification of Naturalization “, may be granted to foreigners who have entered into India, on or before the 31^st day of December , 2014, under following criteria :

 

[ A ].. Country of Foreigner

 

          Such a foreigner could hail from any country of the world

 

[ B ]… Religion of Foreigner

 

           Such a foreigner could belong to any religious community

 

[  C  ]…. Status of Foreigner

 

            In his / her own native country, said foreigner must belong to

            a religious  minority , which has been or currently being ,

            persecuted for his / her religious belief

 

                 

[ D ]…. Proof of persecution

 

           While applying for Indian “ Certification of Naturalization “,

           under this RPFM Act, the foreign person would need to prove

           to the satisfaction of the Home Ministry, that he / she was

           persecuted by the majority religious community in

           his / her native country before entering India

 

           

           

According to one report, in Afghanistan, Shia form a “ minor community “ , consisting about 10% - 15 % of the population

Under Taliban, Shia fear a persecution

As reported above, if Indian Government decides to grant “ Refuge “ to “ members of minorities “ , this would be welcomed by all political parties and may even pave the way for acceptance of CAA , with re-phrasing suggested by me

 

With Regards,

Hemen Parekh  /  hcp@RecruitGuru.com  /  16 Aug 2021