Amidst voiced concerns from the United States, the United Nations, and the Taliban regarding the enactment of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed that political maneuvering should not dictate perspectives on a commendable endeavor to aid the distressed.
During the routine media briefing, the MEA representative remarked, “In reference to the statement from the US State Department concerning the execution of the CAA, we assert that it is misaligned, misguided, and unjustified.” Emphasizing India’s constitutionally enshrined religious freedom for all citizens, he asserted the absence of grounds for apprehension or discrimination against minorities.
This response follows the expressed apprehension by the US State Department regarding the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11, with a keen interest in monitoring its implementation. The US underscored the significance of religious freedom and equitable treatment under the law for all societal segments, labeling them as fundamental democratic values.
Expanding on the subject, the MEA spokesperson reiterated, “As you are undoubtedly aware, the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 pertains to domestic affairs within India, aligning with its inclusive ethos and enduring commitment to human rights.” The Act extends refuge to persecuted minorities from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities originating from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. It must be emphasized that the CAA is about granting citizenship rather than revoking it.
Jaiswal further stressed that the legislation addresses statelessness issues, upholds human dignity, and champions human rights. Regarding the US State Department’s commentary on the implementation of the CAA, alongside remarks from various quarters, it was reiterated that such criticisms are misplaced, uninformed, and unwarranted.
“India’s constitutional assurance of religious freedom to all its citizens stands firm. There exists no basis for concerns or differential treatment of minorities. Decisions should not be swayed by electoral calculations when evaluating a praiseworthy effort to aid the distressed,” Jaiswal added. “Attempts at lecturing from those with limited comprehension of India’s pluralistic heritage and the historical context of the region post-partition are ill-advised. India’s partners and well-wishers should embrace the sincerity behind this initiative,” the MEA emphasized.
The contentious nature of the law arose from its perceived exclusion of Muslims, though Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that the CAA aims to assist minorities facing religious persecution in those countries. He reiterated that Muslims from these nations remain eligible to apply for Indian citizenship under existing laws. The government reassured Indian Muslims that the CAA does not impede their citizenship rights and is unrelated to their community, which enjoys equal status to their Hindu counterparts.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) seeks to safeguard individuals seeking refuge in India due to religious persecution, shielding them from deportation proceedings. Eligibility for citizenship requires entry into India on or before December 31, 2014.
Implemented by the central government, the law seeks to grant citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations also voiced reservations about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, denouncing it as inherently discriminatory. Suhail Shaheen, the head of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, asserted that any such legislation should apply universally, irrespective of religion.