Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today handed over citizenship certificates to 35 refugees of Nabarangpur district, saying the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 is a beacon of hope for minorities facing persecution in neighbouring countries.
Addressing the distribution ceremony, Majhi stated that the Act has provided a path of hope and reassurance for those persecuted for years. He welcomed the new citizens, assuring them of their security, respect, and progress.
The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their role in enacting and implementing the law. He emphasised that India is the only country that can provide shelter to persecuted Hindus and that the Citizenship Amendment Act is a testament to the country’s commitment to compassion and humanity.
Chief Minister said that in India, minorities have immense power to be their voice. But in our neighbouring countries, they remain silent on the persecution of minorities. Now this mentality is changing. In the name of secularism, only one religion was being persecuted. Today, there is no more discrimination on the basis of religion in the country. Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law, he added.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan also spoke at the event, assuring the new citizens of all facilities and support. The ceremony was organised jointly by the Odisha Census Directorate and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Among those who got citizenship again, Bapin Mirda, who came from Bangladesh in 1998, said that this citizenship certificate has given us a new identity as residents of this land. Through this, our long-standing dream has been fulfilled. This day has made us proud by giving Indian citizenship, he said.
It is worth noting that the process of granting Indian citizenship to eligible applicants under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 has started through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. As per the rules notified on March 11, 2024, persons belonging to minority communities who entered India from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan by December 31, 2014, are considered eligible for Indian citizenship
