Refugee Protest in Delhi

Ahead of the Taliban's second arrival, Afghan refugees in India staged a protest in front of the UN High Commission in Delhi. We should not approach this in such a way that Afghans come to India and cause problems here as well. They raised perfectly reasonable demands. This includes the issue of human rights.

India is now rescuing Afghan nationals along with Indians and bringing them to India. Before that, it was estimated that 21,000 Afghans were living in India as refugees. Of these, 13,000 do not even have an identity card. They also held placards against Pakistan during the protest. Ahmed Ziagani, an Afghan refugee leader, says they have been living in Delhi and other parts of India for years, unable to find a decent job or even educate their children. They are neither refugees nor Indian citizens here. The refugee card for obtaining an Indian visa has also not been issued. With the return of the Taliban, the Central Government has made it easier for Afghan nationals to apply for e-visas of any religion. It has a fixed term of six months. Their leader says that after that it will be their turn.

Considering this as a human rights issue, the Central Government should be prepared to issue them a temporary identity card to continue until they get permanent citizenship. Even if you are Indian, now you can't buy ration without Aadhaar card and why not even buy a phone. Then we can imagine the plight of the Afghan refugees who are doomed to stay here without a card. Moreover, the fact that some people live without an identity document is a threat to our national security. This will prevent them from being found and prosecuted if they are involved in any crime. Moreover, some will try to take advantage of their plight in various ways. So if they are given a temporary card with special consideration, they can still teach their children by enrolling them h a sc. They say that it is enough to find a way to live in other countries. But even that cannot be done without India taking some steps and giving them biometric cards and so on. Prolonging the issue without making a decision in this regard is an inhumane act. It is hoped that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs would work out a solution in consultation with the United Nations.