In 1972, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of the country's South Asian population, which included a large number of NRIs (non-resident Indians).
Here are the key details of the event:
The Decree:
On August 4, 1972, Idi Amin, who had seized power in a military coup the previous year, announced that all people of Asian descent who were not Ugandan citizens had 90 days to leave the country. This deadline was later expanded to include those who had taken up Ugandan citizenship, essentially making many people stateless.
The Community:
The South Asian community in Uganda, which had a history in the region dating back to the British colonial era, was a small minority but was very prominent in business, commerce, and the professions. They were often referred to simply as "Asians" and were largely of Indian and Pakistani origin.
Reasons for the Expulsion:
Amin's public justification for the expulsion was that he was "giving Uganda back to ethnic Ugandans" and that the Asians were "sabotaging the economy" and "fostering widespread corruption." However, the exact motivations remain unclear, with some sources citing a personal grudge against the British and others a desire for "economic independence."
The Impact:
The expulsion was a sudden and brutal event. Many people were forced to leave their homes and businesses with very little notice, and they were often stripped of their possessions and money at the airport.
Resettlement:
The majority of the expelled Asians were British passport holders. The United Kingdom accepted around 29,000 people. Other countries, including Canada, India, and Pakistan, also took in refugees.
It's wake up time for the NRIs in USA. As our beloved Modiji says,
"NRIs should come back to India, else they will regret their decision. If you cant put both feet back. Atleast put one foot in India."
नहीं तो... पछताओगे। - nahi to.... pastauge...
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