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Amit Shah, India's Home Minister, has made a stark statement concerning the Hindu population in Bangladesh. He claims that the Hindu population in Bangladesh has plummeted from 27% during Partition to a mere 9% today, citing forced conversions and displacement as the primary reasons for this demographic shift. During a speech in Ahmedabad, Shah expressed concern over the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, stating that they have been subjected to persecution and forced religious conversion, ultimately leading many to seek refuge in India.
Shah's remarks highlight a contentious issue that has long been a source of tension between India and Bangladesh. He placed the blame for the plight of Hindu refugees squarely on the shoulders of past Congress-led governments, accusing them of prioritizing appeasement politics over the welfare of those seeking refuge in India. Shah asserted that these governments delayed citizenship for refugees, leaving them vulnerable and in limbo for decades. He further emphasized the plight of these individuals, highlighting the torture they endured not only in their homeland but also upon arriving in India, where they were denied basic rights and justice for generations.
Shah's comments are a clear indication of the Indian government's stance on the issue of citizenship for refugees. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), championed by the current BJP government, aims to expedite the process of granting citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from neighboring countries, namely Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. However, the CAA has faced intense criticism and protests, with opponents arguing that it is discriminatory and undermines the secular principles of the Indian constitution. Shah sought to address these concerns by assuring the Muslim community that the CAA does not pose a threat to their citizenship and is solely intended to facilitate the granting of citizenship to eligible individuals.
Shah's remarks underscore the complexities of the issue of religious minorities and the political ramifications associated with it. He used the occasion to showcase the Modi government's efforts to address the concerns of refugees and ensure their well-being. Shah's appeal to the refugees to apply for citizenship, emphasizing that the process would not affect their livelihoods and would be granted retrospectively, signifies the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth and fair process. This statement can be viewed as an attempt to garner support for the CAA and alleviate concerns surrounding its implementation. However, it remains to be seen how effectively the government will navigate the political and legal challenges associated with the CAA and address the underlying issues of persecution and displacement that continue to affect religious minorities in the region.
Source: Bangladesh Hindus now 9% due to forced conversions: Amit Shah