NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India has firmly rejected concerns expressed by a United States official regarding the implementation of its new citizenship law, dismissing them as “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted.” The statement from New Delhi comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions just weeks before the upcoming general election.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government recently announced regulations to enact the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), designed to streamline the process for persecuted minorities seeking refuge in India from neighboring Muslim majority nations Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. However, the move has ignited protests across the country, with critics arguing that it discriminates against Muslims and undermines India’s secular principles.
The US State Department had voiced apprehension about the law, pledging to closely monitor its implementation. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the internal nature of the CAA, labeling the US stance as ill-informed. Randhir Jaiswal, a ministry spokesperson, underscored India’s inclusive traditions and commitment to human rights, asserting that the CAA aims to provide a safe haven for persecuted minorities without infringing upon the rights of others.
India’s push to enforce the CAA has drawn international attention and criticism. The United Nations had previously condemned the law as “fundamentally discriminatory,” while human rights organizations have raised concerns about its alleged implications for India’s Muslim population. The Indian government has unequivocally stated the act does not impact existing Indian citizens, irrespective of their religion.
The CAA’s implementation was delayed after its passage in 2019 due to nationwide protests and violence. Critics fear that in conjunction with a proposed national register of citizens, the law could lead to the marginalization of Muslims and statelessness for many.
Despite international scrutiny, India remains resolute in its stance. Officials maintain that the CAA is intended to address the plight of persecuted minorities and uphold the country’s pluralistic traditions. However, activists continue to challenge the law’s constitutionality, with nearly 200 petitions set to be heard by India’s top court.
As India gears up for the upcoming election, the debate surrounding the CAA underscores broader tensions over religious freedom and minority rights in the country. Experts say, with Prime Minister Modi predicted to continue into a third consecutive term, the implementation of the citizenship law seems imminent.
