Concerns and Confusion Surrounding CAA Implementation in Thakurnagar: Matua Community's Dilemma

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) may have dampened jubilation at the Thakurnagar Matua headquarters due to proverbial devils in the details.

On Tuesday, a number of Matuas voiced concerns on filing online citizenship applications in light of the recently announced CAA.

After speaking with a number of Matua community leaders, it became clear that the main source of concern was the requirement to provide information about the applicant's place of origin, as well as the countries of origin of their spouse and parents.

While many people in Thakurnagar, the Matua headquarters, are cheering the Centre's announcement of the CAA on Monday evening, a number of others have voiced concerns about the procedure.
Reportedly bad details could temper festivities at the Thakurnagar

Matua headquarters regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act's (CAA) execution.

On Tuesday, a number of Matuas voiced concerns on filing online citizenship applications in light of the recently announced CAA.

After speaking with a number of Matua community leaders, it became clear that the main source of concern was the requirement to provide information about the applicant's place of origin, as well as the countries of origin of their spouse and parents.

While many people in Thakurnagar, the Matua headquarters, are cheering the Centre's announcement of the CAA on Monday evening, a number of others have voiced concerns about the procedure.

"The portal was newly introduced. When questioned about his lack of interest in submitting applications for "citizenship," a young man managing the office of BJP MP Shantanu Thakur, who leads the All India Matua Mahasangha, replied, "We have to go through all the provisions first to be accustomed with the portal and then only can we help others to apply."

When community members and followers met at the sect's headquarters, Thakurbari, to commemorate the CAA's implementation, they reported that the Mahasangha had instructed them to delay submitting their applications.

"I'm glad the CAA is being implemented. However, because of the initial declaration requirement, I am not confident enough to apply. This is a threat to our future as residents of India, stated Swapan Mandal, a Bagdah resident who traveled to Thakurnagar early in the morning to take part in the festivities.

A large number of young people who had congregated outside Thakurbari looked perplexed and acknowledged that they were unsure of the day on which they would submit their applications. When asked if they knew of anyone who had submitted an application, they claimed not to know.

Several people expressed their displeasure that their demand for unconditional citizenship had not been fulfilled, despite the drumming and festivities that went on in and around Thakurbari.

I was informed that no dated records would be needed to serve as evidence. However, from what I've heard, I would need to provide documentation of my visit to India prior to 2014. Additionally, proof of Bangladeshi residency would need to be provided. Suphal Biswas of Hanshkhali, who immigrated to India from Jessore in 1995, stated, "We don't have such documents."

Suphal added, claiming his family was being persecuted for their faith: "One night, we were threatened by some Islamic fundamentalist, but we were able to escape without harm." I can no longer provide any documentation of our time spent in Bangladesh.

Despite the admission of bewilderment by multiple members of Shantanu Thakur's inner circle, the Union minister dismissed these worries.

Document submission is not required. He told reporters, "An affidavit or certificate issued by any socially acclaimed institution would be enough to prove the applicant's credentials," adding that the purpose of the CAA is to "ensure" citizenship rather to "rob" people.

"Just now, the notification was sent out. For the benefit of the populace, we have instructed the Center to streamline the legal provisions. He said, "If there is anything that needs to be changed, we will speak with the Center. The Mahasangha will also set up a volunteer training program to assist those who assist others in submitting their applications.

The uncertainty was attributed to Trinamul and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by the majority of BJP leaders.

The Joint Action Committee for Bengali Refugees' head, Sukriti Ranjan Biswas, claimed that the citizenship matrix's legislative elements will make life more difficult for refugees like the Matuas.

"The Center set up a trap to find unauthorized immigrants. According to Biswas, a former bank employee, "the provisions are unclear and highly deceptive, which would cause people to become uneasy and ultimately none would apply only for citizenship."

"It would be a challenging undertaking to provide documentation of stay in Bangladesh and later in India. Ironically, Aadhaar and EPIC have not been accepted by the government as documentation for a stay in India, Biswas continued.

"We had suggested a deadline along with a current voter list as evidence of residence in India, regardless of the migrants' religious affiliation. However, the Center has only taken into account Hindus, which has led to divide, he said, adding that on March 20, at Moulali Yuva Kendra, the Joint Action Committee for Bengali Refugees would host a convention on the subject.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.