Dharshini RDA 
In a major breakthrough in the aftermath of recent signs of de-escalatory tensions between India and Pakistan, nearly 150 Pakistani immigrants who became Indian citizens under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) last year cast their votes during the Delhi Assembly elections on Wednesday.
For decades, thousands of Pakistani Hindus alleging persecution on religious grounds crossed into India seeking protection and better opportunities. Many of them settled in areas like Majnu Ka Tila in Delhi and they worked as casual laborers and lived in makeshift camps. Now with their citizenship finalized, 186 former Pakistani nationals cast their votes for the first time, a milestone on their journey from statelessness to full-fledged Indian citizens.
The Indian government’s implementation of the CAA on March 11th 2024 allows undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31st 2014 to apply for Indian citizenship. While the legislation has been controversial in India, its practice has granted some former Pakistani nationals legal recognition and political rights.
This is at a time when the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and India seems to mend. The two countries have signalled a willingness to ease up on tensions of late with bright signs in the trade and humanitarian cooperation. Such news still full of challenges gives one hope for much better relations with the two neighbours.
