In light of recent events that are taking place across the nation, Indiatimes spoke to those on both sides of the debate. In no way do we condone or criticise either opinion. The purpose of this is to put the two right in front of each other.
These views have been shared on the basis of anonymity. These are their personal accounts.
For the Citizenship Amendment Act:
“Before anyone points out that I’m pro BJP, I just want to make it very clear that I’m pro country, not pro-government. Anything and everything that the government does which is in favour of the nation’s progress, I’m all up for it. Given that, I strongly believe that the Citizenship Amendment Act isn’t a setback for us and instead, it is a much-needed step that was long due.
However, I do not support the brutality or violence that is happening in the name of resistance. Be it the students from several universities or the police deployed to control the situation, I do not condone vandalism and nobody has the right to harm anyone. I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of hate for this but I genuinely believe that this country needs a detox but I do not believe Muslims are the targets here.
The government has to keep each and every legal citizen in mind before dealing with those who do not belong here. Yes, I do have a sense of belonging and there is a reason that immigration exists, to begin with. Otherwise, people would go to any country whenever they wanted to without adhering to said country’s laws.
Look at the positive side too. The bill was passed so that people who are seeking asylum can find a haven in our country to keep them safe. Also, when it comes to protests, as much as my research and knowledge about the topic go, the protests in Assam have nothing to do with the fact that the Muslim community is supposedly being targetted. Instead, it has a lot to do with the fact that those people do not ‘outsiders’ to come and infiltrate their state and so, that is why they are protesting.
Whereas as far as students from Jamia Millia Islamia are concerned, I would just like to point out that they are students. They should study and get ahead in life. Protesting something like this which is the government’s decision is not their responsibility. I believe students and protests have become a trend now and anytime something happens that they do not approve of, you can see them out on the roads. We chose our leaders and we put our faith in them. It’s time we give them a chance to do what they’re appointed to do instead of countering every decision they make for this country. We cannot oppose something we haven’t seen in action yet.”
Against the Citizenship Amendment Act:
“If anybody in this country believes that the bill wasn’t passed so that the government can ‘cleanse’ India of Muslims, they’re living in denial. The blatant brutality that was inflicted by the Delhi police on the students from Jamia Milia Islamia is evident enough that Islamophobia is very much alive in this country and none other than the elected government is encouraging it.
If they want to invite people of several different communities and religions to come and seek solace in our country, why are Muslims being excluded from this narrative? To be honest, I was never against the government and believed that they want the best for us. But after seeing the country’s present condition and the unsafe situations mere students are being subjected to, it makes me want to lose my faith in not just the leaders but in humanity itself.
If anything, this act is unconstitutional, to begin with, and will be a huge setback for minorities in our country. Even though the Home Minister has made a statement that Muslims from other countries can apply for citizenship as per the rules, we are all well aware of the fact that it is just a loophole they government is playing around.
The government wants to paint the country in saffron and there’s nothing we can do about it. For those who are trying, you can see their plight. I don’t feel safe anymore in my own country and no one deserves that. First, it was Kashmir, now it’s this. Next is us. All of us.”