50 minority families from Pakistan urge India to grant them citizenship

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 17

Around 50 families hailing from the minority community in Pakistan on Monday urged the Centre to grant them Indian citizenship. 

Addressing the media at Gurdwara Majnu ka Tilla here, in a press meet organised by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, the families from both Sikh and Hindu communities from Pakistan claimed that they were being discriminated against on the basis of their religious identity and were subjected to atrocities in the Muslim-majority nation. 

Talking about his life back home in Sind area of Pakistan, Panju Ram, one of the members, said, “I request the central government to grant us citizenship. I need documentation for a better life, and going back to Pakistan is no more an option. Life was hell in Pakistan.” 

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, president, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, said, “These families have gone through a lot during their stay in Pakistan. They are not allowed to cremate the dead bodies and are not being accepted into society. I will take up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit shah.” 

Krishna, another member, said, “I am a Hindu and should get citizenship in India. CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) is a boon for us, especially for the minorities from Pakistan. Whoever is protesting against this bill should not do so. Both Sikhs and Hindus are in a terrible state in Pakistan.”