Amidst notable commendation, renowned African-American vocalist Mary Millben took to social platforms to laud Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accrediting him for what she hailed as “exemplary empathetic governance” in enforcing the Citizen (Amendment) Act (CAA).
In a communication disseminated on X, Millben extolled PM Modi’s endeavors towards furnishing sanctuary to those confronting oppression based on their religious convictions. She underscored the inclusiveness intrinsic to the CAA, delineating it as a conduit towards tranquility and religious autonomy for diverse religious denominations encompassing Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.
The vocalist implored the US State Department to acknowledge PM Modi’s stewardship and to endeavor towards enhanced diplomatic ties with India, particularly upon his potential re-election for a third term. Millben accentuated that the CAA embodies an authentic manifestation of democracy, extending protective refuge to marginalized communities.
“@StateDept, PM @narendramodi is demonstrating empathetic governance towards those persecuted for their faith and extending refuge to them in #India. A conduit to tranquility for Christians/Hindus/Sikhs/Jain/Buddhists seeking #religiousfreedom. Upon the PM’s potential re-election for a third term, endeavor to evolve as a more democratic ally in essence. The Citizen Amendment Act is an authentic act of democracy,” articulated the US vocalist in a communication on X.
The United States expressed on Thursday its “apprehensions” regarding the promulgation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in India, affirming its “vigilant observation” of the act’s enforcement.
“We harbor apprehensions regarding the promulgation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11,” articulated US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller during his customary briefing on Thursday (local time).
“We are vigilantly observing the operationalization of this act. Reverence for religious liberty and equitable dispensation under the legal framework for all demographics are cardinal democratic tenets,” remarked Miller in retort to an inquiry.
Millben had previously voiced her endorsement for India’s recent enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Monday as well, asserting, “This signifies a pathway to tranquility. This epitomizes an authentic act of democracy.”
In an official communication on X, Millben, a practitioner of Christianity and an advocate for religious autonomy, lauded PM Modi for extending Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
“As a Christian, an individual of devout faith, and a global advocate for religious autonomy, I commend the Modi-led administration for announcing today the enforcement of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act thereby conferring Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan,” she appended.
In her missive, Millben conveyed appreciation to PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Indian administration for their empathetic governance and resolute dedication to preserving religious autonomy.
“Gratitude to you, PM @narendramodi @AmitShah and the Indian Administration for your empathetic governance and, paramountly for safeguarding religious autonomy in embracing the persecuted,” read the communication on X.
The Union Home Ministry formulated guidelines for the enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday, anterior to the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule. Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated on multiple occasions that CAA guidelines would precede the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April and May.
The CAA guidelines, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and ratified by Parliament in 2019, aspire to confer Indian citizenship upon persecuted non-Muslim migrants, encompassing Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014.
Subsequent to the passage of the CAA by Parliament in December 2019 and its subsequent presidential assent, widespread protests ensued across various regions of the nation.
Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 facilitate eligible individuals under CAA-2019 to petition for the acquisition of Indian citizenship and applications are to be tendered through a wholly digital platform provided by the government.
The Centre promulgated the regulations for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act on Monday.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, endeavors to bestow Indian citizenship upon refugees who sought refuge in India before December 31, 2014, owing to religious persecution in three neighboring countries—Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—pertaining to six minority factions therein.
The CAA abolishes legal impediments to rehabilitation and citizenship, thereby affording a dignified existence to refugees “who have endured decades of suffering”.