Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Matuas in Bengal Seek Indian Citizenship
Many Matuas, who are a Hindu Dalit group from Bangladesh, are going to special camps in Thakurnagar, near Kolkata, to get documents that will help them become Indian citizens.
These camps are set up because of a new law called the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which makes it easier for certain groups from neighboring countries to become Indian citizens.
At these camps, they can also get special cards that say they are Hindus.
The process starts at around Rs 700.
The Indian government, led by Narendra Modi, made this law to help people who are being treated badly in their own countries, except for Muslims.
The Matuas are taking advantage of this law to start a new life in India.
Matuas from Bangladesh are seeking Indian citizenship through camps in Thakurnagar, West Bengal.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) provides a path for persecuted minorities (except Muslims) from neighboring countries to become Indian citizens.
At these camps, Matuas can apply for Indian citizenship and obtain religious identity cards stating they are Hindus.
The process starts at a cost of Rs 700 onwards.
The camps are located around 65 km from Kolkata, in the lanes around Thakurbari in Thakurnagar.
- Who
- Matuas, a Hindu Dalit sect from Bangladesh
- What
- Seeking Indian citizenship and religious identity cards
- When
- Present day
- Where
- Thakurnagar, West Bengal, India
- Why
- To become Indian citizens under the CAA, which provides a path for persecuted minorities (except Muslims) from neighboring countries
- Group
- Matuas (Hindu Dalit sect)
- Location
- Thakurnagar, West Bengal, India
- Distance from Kolkata
- 65 km
- Citizenship Path
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
- Documents Obtained
- Indian citizenship documents, religious identity cards
- Cost for Documents
- Rs 700 onwards
- Government
- Narendra Modi government
