Localities Citizenship And Rights in India And Pakistan: Exploring the Complexities

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In India and Pakistan, the question of localities citizenship and rights has always been a complex and contentious issue. As two neighboring countries with a shared history, their paths diverged when they gained independence, leading to different approaches to citizenship and rights.

The Citizenship Act of India

India, being a democratic republic, grants citizenship to individuals based on a combination of birth, descent, and registration. The Citizenship Act of 1955 lays down the foundation for Indian citizenship. According to this act, anyone born in Indian territory before July 1, 1987, is considered a citizen by birth. In addition, individuals born to Indian citizens outside of India can also claim citizenship if their parents fulfill certain conditions.

Boundaries of Belonging: Localities, Citizenship and Rights in India and Pakistan

by Mark Bowden(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7957 KB
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Furthermore, Indian citizenship can be acquired through descent if one or both parents are Indian citizens at the time of birth. This provision allows individuals with Indian-origin parents to apply for Indian citizenship, even if they are born in another country.

Citizenship Laws in Pakistan

Pakistan, on the other hand, follows a different approach to citizenship. The Citizenship Act of 1951 is the primary legislation governing citizenship in Pakistan. According to this act, anyone born in Pakistan or having parents who were born in undivided India can claim citizenship. The concept of registration is also present, where individuals can apply for Pakistani citizenship if they fulfill specific requirements.

It's essential to note that the issue of citizenship in both countries is closely intertwined with religious identity. In India, the Citizenship Act of 1955 is often criticized for being discriminatory against Muslims, as it provides favorable treatment to non-Muslim immigrants from neighboring countries.

Rights of Citizens

The rights of citizens in both India and Pakistan are protected by their respective constitutions. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights such as equality before the law, freedom of speech and expression, and the right to life and liberty. Similarly, the Constitution of Pakistan also enshrines basic rights, including freedom of association, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial.

However, both countries have faced criticism regarding the implementation of these rights. In India, minorities, such as Dalits and religious minorities, often face discrimination and challenges in accessing their rights. Similarly, Pakistan has been commended for taking steps towards protecting minority rights, but issues such as blasphemy laws and persecution of religious minorities continue to persist.

The Issue of Kashmir

An integral part of discussing the complexities of localities citizenship and rights in India and Pakistan is addressing the longstanding issue of Kashmir. The disputed region has been a bone of contention between the two countries for decades, affecting the lives and rights of the local population.

Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir as their own, and the region's citizenship and rights have been marred by conflict and political turmoil. The people of Kashmir have long demanded their right to self-determination and have faced security challenges and restrictions on their basic rights.

, the topic of localities citizenship and rights in India and Pakistan is multifaceted and influenced by historical, political, and religious factors. While both countries have legislative frameworks to grant citizenship and protect rights, there are ongoing challenges and concerns regarding discrimination and the infringement of minority rights.

The issue of Kashmir further highlights the complex nature of citizenship and rights in the region. It is crucial for both India and Pakistan to address these issues, uphold the principles of equality and justice, and work towards ensuring the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious or regional identities.

Boundaries of Belonging: Localities, Citizenship and Rights in India and Pakistan

by Mark Bowden(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7957 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages

FREE

The 1947 Partition had a major impact on issues of citizenship and rights in India and Pakistan in the decades that followed. Boundaries of Belonging shows how citizenship evolves at a time of political transition and what this meant for ordinary people, by directing attention away from South Asia's Partition 'hotspots' - Bengal and Punjab - to Partition's 'hinterlands' of Uttar Pradesh and Sindh. The analysis, based on rich archival research and fieldwork, brings out commonalities, differences, and the mutual co-construction of the 'citizen' in both places. It also reveals the way in which developments across the border, such as communal violence, could directly impact on minority rights in its neighbour. Questioning stereotypes of an increasingly 'authoritarian' Pakistan and 'democratic' India, Sarah Ansari and William Gould make a major contribution to recent scholarship that suggests the differences between India and Pakistan are overstated.