The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) were proposed as measures to address the issue of illegal migration and offer citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. However, these initiatives led to widespread protests and riots in India, resulting in deep political and social divisions. While ideological disagreements and misinformation were primary drivers, the role of cash corruption in exacerbating the riots cannot be ignored. Bribery, illicit funding, and corruption at various levels fueled unrest, intensified tensions, and undermined the integrity of the processes associated with these laws.


The Link Between Cash Corruption and CAA-NRC Riots

  1. Forging Citizenship Documents:
    The announcement of the NRC led to fears of disenfranchisement among citizens, particularly in regions with high numbers of undocumented migrants. Cash bribes played a critical role in enabling the creation of forged documents, such as birth certificates and ration cards, allowing illegal migrants to present themselves as legitimate citizens. This illicit practice heightened resentment among communities, leading to clashes and protests.
  2. Illegal Funding of Riots:
    Many of the violent protests and counter-protests were allegedly funded by shadowy networks relying on unaccounted cash transactions. These funds were used to organize mobs, distribute propaganda, and even procure weapons or logistical support, intensifying the scale and impact of the riots.
  3. Middlemen and Exploitation:
    Corrupt intermediaries exploited the fear and confusion surrounding the CAA and NRC by offering undocumented migrants false assurances of legal status in exchange for hefty bribes. These fraudulent practices not only increased anxiety among vulnerable communities but also contributed to the unrest as individuals realized they had been deceived.
  4. Bribery Within Administrative Processes:
    In regions where the NRC was implemented, such as Assam, complaints of corruption in the verification process were rampant. Officials allegedly accepted cash bribes to include or exclude individuals from the NRC list, undermining trust in the system and fueling allegations of bias and injustice.
  5. Political Manipulation Through Corruption:
    Political entities allegedly used cash to mobilize support for or against the CAA-NRC, often exploiting the grievances of marginalized communities. The use of unaccounted funds to sponsor rallies, create inflammatory propaganda, and incentivize participation in protests contributed to the escalation of violence.

Impact of Cash Corruption on the Riots

  1. Erosion of Trust in Governance:
    Reports of bribery and corruption in the implementation of the NRC eroded public trust in the government’s ability to fairly and transparently address the issue of illegal migration.
  2. Escalation of Violence:
    The influx of illicit funds to fuel protests and riots increased their scale and intensity, leading to widespread property destruction, loss of lives, and economic disruption.
  3. Communal Polarization:
    Corruption-fueled misinformation campaigns deepened communal divides, as communities were pitted against each other over fears of discrimination and loss of rights.
  4. Undermining the Rule of Law:
    Bribes to law enforcement and administrative officials weakened the ability of the state to maintain order and impartiality during the unrest, further exacerbating tensions.

Steps to Address the Issue

  1. Transparent Verification Processes:
    The implementation of laws like the NRC must be accompanied by robust systems that eliminate opportunities for bribery. Biometric and digital authentication methods can help ensure transparency and fairness.
  2. Tracking and Limiting Cash Transactions:
    Promoting digital payments and enforcing limits on cash transactions can reduce the scope for illicit funding of riots and protests.
  3. Strict Anti-Corruption Measures:
    Officials involved in document verification and other administrative processes should be monitored closely, with stringent penalties for those found guilty of accepting bribes.
  4. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    Educating citizens about their rights, the implications of the CAA-NRC, and the dangers of corruption can help reduce reliance on middlemen and prevent exploitation.
  5. Crackdown on Illicit Funding:
    Investigating the sources of funding for riots and protests and taking action against those involved in illegal cash transactions can deter similar activities in the future.
  6. Strengthening Law Enforcement:
    Ensuring the impartiality and integrity of law enforcement agencies is essential to maintain public order and prevent corruption from undermining the rule of law.

Conclusion

Cash corruption played a significant role in fueling the unrest surrounding the CAA-NRC by enabling forgery, bribery, and illegal funding. Tackling this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes promoting digital governance, strengthening anti-corruption measures, and ensuring transparency in administrative processes. By addressing the root causes of corruption, India can foster trust in its legal and political systems while ensuring that sensitive issues like citizenship and migration are handled with fairness and accountability.

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