U Turn: YSRCP MLA opposes CAA, seeks amendment in rules

Amaravati: YSRCP MLA Hafiz Khan opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and urged to address the concerns of Muslim community.

Two days ago, the Centre announced the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, a move that comes four years after the contentious law was passed and paves the way for citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, during a press briefing, MLA Hafiz Khan reiterated the YSRCP's firm position against the current format of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) implemented by the central government.

He emphasized the adverse impact on the Muslim community, echoing the apprehensions shared by the public. Stressing on the urgent need for reform in the current structure of the CAA, MLA Hafiz Khan called for bringing in CAA amendments, to address the legitimate concerns of Muslim community.

Reflecting on the measures taken by the former CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy of granting of 4% reservation to Muslims, MLA Hafiz Khan said, “Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSRC party have consistently stood in support and valuing all communities equally."

"CAA later can depend on NRC (National Register for Citizens) and NPR (National Population Register). In NRC or NPR, if an Indian Muslim is not able to prove his citizenship, then the CAA will not apply to him. However, if anyone from any other religion faces a similar situation, then CAA will be applicable and provide him protection," he explained.

"Today, somewhere within the system, there is a lot of distress within the Muslim community that they might be targeted through NRC / NPR and CAA will not be able to shield them. So we request the central government to rethink and take everyone into confidence," MLA Hafiz Khan said.

The rules were notified days ahead of the expected announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. With this, the Modi government will now start granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians -- from the three countries.

These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for the grant of Indian citizenship.