India’s government has announced its intention to implement the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a law that has drawn criticism for its perceived anti-Muslim stance.
The CAA aims to grant citizenship to non-Muslim religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who have faced persecution, a move defended by authorities as humanitarian.
Passed in 2019, the law sparked widespread protests resulting in casualties and arrests, with rules for its enforcement now being finalized, according to Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah.
Shah, in a social media post on Monday, hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling a constitutional commitment to religious minorities in neighboring countries.
India’s home ministry has launched an online portal to facilitate citizenship applications from eligible individuals, aiming to dispel misconceptions surrounding the law, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the government’s assertions, critics argue that the CAA undermines secular principles by excluding Muslims and could be exploited alongside proposed citizenship registration measures to target Muslims in India.
Protests against the CAA have erupted in various states, with opposition parties accusing the government of using the law for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.
Critics also highlight the law’s failure to address refugees from non-Muslim majority countries and express concerns about potential demographic shifts near India’s borders.
The announcement has been met with skepticism and accusations of political manipulation from opposition leaders, who question the timing of its implementation.
As India braces for elections, the CAA remains a contentious issue, symbolizing broader debates over citizenship, religious freedom, and political accountability in the country.
