Monday, July 23, 2007

AM I AN INDIAN OR A REFUGEE?

This is a question that is persisting in my mind for a long time . I wandered how many Arunachalee Chakmas are giving it a thought. I hope all of them do.
Being born and brought up in India , according to the Citizenship Act , 1955 and also the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 of section 3-1(a) every person born in India—on or after the 26th day of January, 1950, but before the 1st day of July,
1987 , shall be citizen of India by birth. Then , why is this not applicable to the Chakmas of Aruncahal Pradesh? Why the have to go through the trauma of leveling them as refugees? Also according to International Convention a person should not be denied a Citizenship on the basis of caste, community , religion. But then why the Arunachalee Chakmas are denied nationality?

When I was young and innocent I never thought that someday somebody is going to question my citizenship status.When my grand parents talk about their life in Pakistan I get puzzled . I question myself “ How come they come from Pakistan?”. At that time I didn’t knew that Bangladesh was also a part of Pakistan . I also questioned them , how did they came from Pakistan , its such a long journey as they had to cross the whole country. They left CHT (Chittagong Hill Tract) before Bangladesh was liberated. They didn’t know anything about their homeland after they left for India so they were not able to reply my question properly.
Then as I grew up I started reading History and Geography. I also came into contact with lots of Chakmas from different places in my school days. At the same time I read some historical articles about my people. Then slowly I realized that my grandparents came from Bangladesh (which was part of Pakistan when they left). Also my quest for my roots began. Whenever I go home and met my grandparents I question about their life in CHT , why did they left their homeland? , How did they reached Arunachal Pradesh?, who brought then here?, and so on.

Its been almost four and half decades , still my fellow Chakmas in Aruncahal Pradesh , like me , are doubtful whether they are Indian or refugees. My parents built up home , have families, have their own land , paid taxes but they never got the chance to cast their votes to elect their representatives. Ironically , all other Chakmas who were settled in other parts of India are leading a normal life like any other Indian Citizen. Then , why is injustices being done to the Aruncahalee Chakmas? Because of this injustice the future of thousand of Chakma children are hanging in balance. They are not getting education. The youth are not getting any jobs.

But one thing is clear that "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.". This is not only Newton Third law motion but it is equally applicable to our daily life. Also , it’s a fact that everybody believes in GOD. Those person who are responsible for ruining the life of thousand of children , will definitely get their verdict from the court of GOD.