CAA an internal matter, US statement misplaced, misinformed, unwarranted, says MEA

Jaiswal was responding to remarks made on Thursday by the State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller that "Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles".

Reacting to the concerns of the United States, he said, "As you are well aware, the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an internal matter of India and is in keeping with India's inclusive traditions and a long-standing commitment to human rights."

"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 spokesperson said.

Jaiswal said, "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."

India's constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all its citizens and there is no ground for any concern for minorities, the MEA 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 said.

The BJP-led Central Governmen notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 on March 11 triggering a major political row with some of the states ruled by parties opposed to the BJP speaking against the implementation of the law.

On the ongoing developments in Haiti, the MEA spokesperson said the Indian Embassy there was in touch with the Indian community. "They are monitoring the situation. As you know there is a crisis in Haiti, and if required, we will evacuate… we are ready to evacuate."

Earlier the Ministry of External Affairs decided to set up a 24-hour Control room to monitor the situation and provide information and assistance.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Jaiswal said India continues to encourage a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

"We have been consistent in our position on the Russia-Ukraine war. We continue to encourage a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy which is our standard position, which you are aware of, and we remain open to engaging in all ways and means that could help achieve this objective" he said.

(With UNI inputs)