CAA rules implementation: Security beefed up in Delhi; know why

New Delhi, March 12: In response to the implementation of rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), the Central Government has tightened security in parts of Delhi. The Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were deployed to prevent any potential untoward incidents, given the history of widespread protests against the legislation's passage.

Security measures were significantly increased in anticipation of the implementation of CAA rules. The delayed enforcement of the law, passed in 2019, had been met with protests across the country. The Delhi Police and paramilitary forces took proactive steps to ensure the safety of residents, with a focus on areas where potential unrest was anticipated.

DCP Joy Tirkey, responsible for the North East district, said it was their duty to ensure the safety of every resident in the area. Referring to the unpleasant experiences in 2020, he highlighted the need for precautionary measures. Aman Committee meetings were conducted, where the police briefed members of both communities. Notably, potential troublemakers and known criminals were identified and closely monitored.

Preventive measures included tagging individuals with a history of potential troublemaking and monitoring social media activities. Beat constables were kept informed, and a two-day flag march was initiated, with plans for an extensive march starting on Tuesday. The use of drones in sensitive areas was also emphasised to enhance surveillance and control.

MHA Notification and CAA-2019 Rules

On Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially notified the rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. These rules, titled the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, facilitate eligible individuals under CAA-2019 to apply for Indian citizenship. The application process will be entirely online, with a dedicated web portal provided by the MHA.

Background on CAA-2019

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, introduced by the Narendra Modi government, aims to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The eligible communities include Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians. The enactment of the CAA led to significant protests across the country following its passage in December 2019.

Citizenship Granting Authorities

Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, Indian citizenship by registration or naturalization is granted to non-Muslim minorities from the aforementioned countries in specific states. Notably, Assam and West Bengal, politically sensitive regions, have not been granted these citizenship-granting authorities.