319 Pakistani Hindus Given Indian Citizenship Certificates in Rajkot

Rajkot: Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday handed over Indian citizenship certificates to 319 displaced people from Pakistan at a ceremony in Rajkot, marking the end of years of uncertainty for families who had sought refuge in India.

“Smile, from today you are all citizens of India,” Sanghavi told the beneficiaries at the ceremony held at Pramukh Swami Auditorium. The announcement triggered emotional scenes, with several recipients overwhelmed with joy and many shedding tears.

Describing the occasion as a Diwali-like celebration for the families, Sanghavi said the day marked a new beginning for those who had endured years of hardship and persecution in Pakistan before seeking shelter in Gujarat.

He attributed the development to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying the law had brought hope and security to the displaced families.

Sanghavi also highlighted the difficulties faced by Hindu families in Pakistan, particularly women who, he said, had faced restrictions and insecurity. Referring to women who had migrated from Pakistan’s Tharparkar region, including Kavita Ben from Morbi, he described the occasion as a day of freedom for them.

He said Hindu families in Pakistan had faced situations in which they were forced to change their names to protect their lives. With Indian citizenship, the beneficiaries would now be able to live with dignity and use their real names without fear, he added.

In a lighter remark, Sanghavi said a pass to attend Rajkot’s Garba celebrations was more valuable than a Pakistani passport.

259 beneficiaries from Rajkot district

Of the 319 people who received citizenship certificates, 259 were from Rajkot district, 53 from Morbi, six from Kutch and one from Surendranagar.

Congratulating the beneficiaries, Sanghavi wished them and their children a bright future, saying the certificates would provide the families with a stronger foundation for their lives in India.

Sanghavi praises police for solving robbery-murder case

During the event, Sanghavi also praised Rajkot City Police, the Crime Branch and police teams from other districts for apprehending the accused in a gold robbery and murder case reported in Rajkot the previous night.

He said around 50 police teams had worked around the clock to trace the accused and recover the stolen property within 24 hours. He commended the police for carrying out the operation while ensuring that the city’s Navratri celebrations continued without disruption.

CAA reflects humanitarian approach, says Parshottam Rupala

Addressing the gathering, former Union minister and Rajya Sabha MP Parshottam Rupala described the Citizenship Amendment Act as a humanitarian initiative of the Central government.

He said the law was not intended to take away anyone’s citizenship but to provide dignity and legal recognition to people who had faced hardships in neighbouring countries and sought refuge in India.

Rupala said the legislation had brought hope and a new direction to the lives of displaced families. He also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the initiative.

Sujal Mayatra, Director of Census Operations, said more than 1,500 people in Gujarat had been granted citizenship under the CAA. He said the new citizens would contribute to the development of the country with a renewed sense of identity and belonging, in line with the government’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

At the ceremony, one young girl expressed her gratitude for efforts to ensure the safety of girls in Gujarat by applying a kumkum tilak on Sanghavi’s forehead and tying a rakhi on his wrist.

The beneficiaries also thanked Prime Minister Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi, saying that the grant of citizenship marked the end of years of struggle and uncertainty.

Rajkot District Collector Dr Om Prakash delivered the vote of thanks.

Mayor Dr Nehal Shukla, MP Kesaridevsinh Zala, District Panchayat President Sanjay Pipaliya, MLAs Uday Kangad, Ramesh Tilala, Bhanuben Babariya, Aniruddh Dave and Mahendra Padaliya, former MP Rambhai Mokariya, and senior officials, including Rajkot Police Commissioner Brajesh Kumar Jha, Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera and District Development Officer Anandu Suresh Govind, attended the event.