South Asia

India implements citizenship law opposed by Muslims before national election

Update: 14:05, 12 March 2024

India has taken steps to enforce the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, a controversial law criticized for its alleged discrimination against Muslims.

This move comes just weeks before Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks an unusual third term for his Hindu nationalist government.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) extends Indian nationality to Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians who sought refuge in Hindu-majority India due to religious persecution in Muslim-majority Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan before December 31, 2014.
The implementation of the CAA was delayed by Modi's government after its enactment in December 2019, as protests and sectarian violence erupted in various parts of New Delhi and beyond. The clashes resulted in numerous casualties and hundreds of injuries.
Critics, including rights groups and Muslim organizations, argue that when combined with a proposed national register of citizens, the CAA could lead to discrimination against India's 200 million Muslims, constituting the world's third-largest Muslim population. Concerns are raised that the government might strip the citizenship of Muslims lacking proper documentation, particularly in border states.
A spokesperson for the prime minister's office confirmed the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, emphasizing its inclusion in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 2019 election manifesto. The spokesperson stated that this move aligns with the BJP's commitment to provide persecuted individuals with an opportunity to gain citizenship in India.
In support of the implementation, a statement from the Home Ministry highlighted that the law aims to eliminate legal obstacles to citizenship for refugees, offering a "dignified life" to those who have endured decades of suffering. The controversial nature of the Citizenship Amendment Act continues to fuel debates and concerns about its potential impact on religious minorities in India.