As India salutes Pulwama martyrs, this soldier fights to prove citizenship

Welcome Guest! You are here: Home » India

As India salutes Pulwama martyrs, this soldier fights to prove citizenship

The next hearing is scheduled on March 18

Saturday February 23, 2019 10:58 AM, ummid.com News Network

Guwahati: Since last Thursday when over 45 CRPF troops were martyred in Pulwama the whole of India, in one voice, is hailing and praising their sacrifices. But, there is this soldier from Assam's Barpeta district who served in Kashmir and at Siachen Glacier has to fight to prove his Indian citizenship.

“I have been posted in Kashmir, Kargil, and Siachen. I love my country and stand to protect it. But back home (in Assam), I am (seen as) a doubtful citizen,” Shahidul Islam (43) told The Indian Express.

Shahidul Islam, who was in October 2018 posted in Kolkata, is now contesting a case at the Foreigners’ Tribunal Number 11 of Barpeta district to prove that he is an Indian citizen.

The next hearing is scheduled on March 18. But, Shahidul said, “I may not be able to appear for the hearing on March 18 if I am on the move….”

Stating that the state border police’s reference case against his family was made in 2003, Shahidul said, “The first notice to appear at the Foreigners’ Tribunal came in October last year. It asked my mother, brother and me to appear on November 9.”

Shahidul’s brothers Mizanur Ali (27), with the CISF, and Delbor Ali (29), with Army Medical Corps since 2010, are also mentioned with their father Abdul Hamid, who died in August 2005, as minors in the 2003 reference case.

In a letter to the Assam CM on December 20, commanding officer of 852 Light Regiment, Col Hari Nair, mentioned that Shahidul is under his command. The letter said the police verification of Shahidul and his brother Delbor before joining the Army declared them Indian citizens.

For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.