We Don’t Even Have Water or Electricity: Pakistani Hindu Migrants

Pakistani Hindu migrants hope for a better future after PM Modi’s promises of providing them citizenship

Hindu migrants hope for basic amenities through the amendment bill

(Photo: ANI Screengrab)

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise of citizenship during his rallies in Rajasthan (Barmer and Jodhpur) have been welcomed with cheers, especially by Hindus who have migrated from Pakistan.

These Hindus who migrated using the pilgrim visa and currently reside in pockets of Jodhpur complain that they do not have access to basic amenities like water or electricity. They claim that they have been promised houses under the Indira Aawas Yojna by the government, but they haven’t received anything.

"I feel good in India but I want basic infrastructure. The idea of citizenship to Hindus is a matter of delight for us and if we become citizens of India then it would be the most delightful moment for us,” says Keshu Devi.

Moolchand, who came from Sindh province, told ANI that due to forceful conversions to Islam and daily harassment in Pakistan, he decided to move to India.

Lalchand, another migrant, who aspires to be a doctor, said, "We were forced to read Islamic verses in Pakistan. I was even discriminated in the school as I was Hindu."

"Women and girls cannot roam around freely in Pakistan. It gives a feeling that Modi delivers what he promises."

Bhagwati, who has been living in India for the last three years adds to that, saying, "Young girls could not go freely in Pakistan. But here in India, the right to education is my right. Such right empowers women."

"Although I am happy that I'm in my own country, infrastructure like schools, hospitals and roads are not there. I would request the government to provide these at the earliest," said Moolchand.

Human rights activist Hindu Singh Sodha welcomed the citizenship promise made by the prime minister but also expressed concern over the legal aspect of the provision. "The government must handle such sensitive matters with care," she said.

The Citizenship Bill which is currently on hold, was passed in Lok Sabha on 8 January, seeks to provide citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who came to India before 31 December 2014. Attempts by the Central government to pass it through the Rajya Sabha were stalled by the Opposition.

Under the proposed amendments in the Bill, the minimum residency period for citizenship was being reduced from the existing 12 years to 7 years. The citizenship was supposed to be given to them only after due scrutiny and on the recommendation of district authorities and the state government.