India-USA
Citizenship Amendment Act is a true act of democracy, posts US singer Mary Millben on X praising PM Modi's leadership
US Singer Mary Millben on Friday appreciated Indian PM Narendra Modi and his government for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act.
She described the CAA as a 'true act of democracy'.
"@StateDept, PM@narendramodi is demonstrating compassionate leadership towards those being persecuted for their faith and providing a home to them in #India. A pathway to peace for Christians/Hindus/Sikhs/Jain/Buddhists seeking #ReligiousFreedom. When the PM is reelected for a third term, aim to be a better democratic partner in tone. The Citizenship Amendment Act is a true act of democracy," she posted on X amid recent comments by the US government on the implementation of the Act.
MEA reacts to the US government's comments on CAA
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" Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday.
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 Indian 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.
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