Bhubaneswar, December 11: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday handed over citizenship certificates to 35 Hindu refugees from Nabarangpur district, highlighting the significance of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

He called the Act a beacon of hope for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries and reassured the new citizens of their safety, respect, and progress in India.

Majhi praised Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their efforts in enacting the law and emphasized that India allows refuge for persecuted Hindus in neighboring countries. He also stated that, under the law, there is no discrimination based on religion in the country.

The ceremony, organized by the Odisha Census Directorate and Ministry of Home Affairs, also featured speeches from Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who assured support for the new citizens.

The recipient of the citizenship, who came from Bangladesh in 1998, expressed pride in gaining Indian citizenship, calling it a long-awaited dream fulfilled.

The process of granting citizenship under the Act began in 2024, with eligibility for those from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India by December 31, 2014.