“Unwarranted”: India Rejects US Concern Over CAA
The Prime Minister Modi-led central government has rejected the United States State Department’s concern over the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Indian government stated the comment made by the US is “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted.”
Rejecting the US’ comment, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson stated that the CAA was concerned with giving, not taking away, citizenship. The Ministry also described the United States of America’s comment of “will monitor closely” as “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted.”
The Ministry added that the law will provide human dignity and be supportive of human rights. Calling it an “internal matter,” they said that CAA lies in accordance with keeping the country’s inclusive traditions and its enduring commitment to human rights.
“The CAA grants safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who have entered India on or before December 31, 2014,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday afternoon, as quoted by NDTV.
During his daily briefing, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for every community are fundamental and democratic principles. Miller had also said that the implementation of CAA would be monitored closely.
Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, the Government of India implemented the CAA on Monday.
The central government also issued a statement addressing Indian Muslims, advising them not to worry over the CAA and adding that it will not impact their citizenship. The statement also stated that the community will enjoy equal rights as the Hindu community.
Meanwhile, after over 200 petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court since 2019, the top court agreed to hear pleas seeking a stay on the controversial CAA. The legislation has been heavily criticised by people across the country, leading to protests. The United Nations has described it as “fundamentally discriminatory in nature.” Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have stated that the law discriminates against the Muslim community.
