Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 is India’s internal matter and the statement of the United States on its implementation is misplaced, misinformed and unwarranted.
“The act grants a safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who have entered India on or before 31st December 2014. The CAA is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship, so this must be underlined. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity, and supports human rights,” Jaiswal said.
“Vote bank politics should not determine views about a laudable initiative to help those in distress. Lectures by those who have a limited understanding of India’s pluralistic traditions and the region’s post-partition history are best not attempted. Partners and wellwishers of India should welcome the intent with which this step has been taken,” the spokesperson added.
India asserted its strong position after the US expressed concerns over the notification of the Act. “We are concerned about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11. We are closely monitoring how this act will be implemented,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
“Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles,” Miller further said.
