In a recent development, US singer Mary Millben has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “compassionate leadership” in implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India. Millben, known for her viral moment of touching PM Modi’s feet during his visit to the US in June 2023, hailed the CAA as a “true act of democracy” and a “pathway to peace” for religious minorities.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was officially notified by the central government on March 11, aims to amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a route to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis from neighboring Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Eligible migrants who entered India before December 31, 2014, and faced religious persecution in their home countries are now eligible for accelerated citizenship under the act.
Millben’s praise for PM Modi’s leadership comes in response to the US State Department expressing “concern” about the implementation of the CAA. The singer took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to highlight PM Modi’s efforts in providing a home for persecuted religious communities in India and urged the US to adopt a more supportive tone as PM Modi seeks re-election for a third term.
The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that they are closely monitoring the implementation of the CAA in India, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and equal treatment for all communities as fundamental democratic principles.
India swiftly responded to the US’ statement, asserting that the CAA is an internal matter and aligns with India’s inclusive traditions and commitment to human rights. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, criticized the US’ remarks as “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted,” reaffirming India’s constitutional guarantee of religious freedom for all its citizens.
The interaction between the US and India regarding the CAA reflects a broader discourse on religious freedom and minority rights. As the debate continues, PM Modi’s leadership and India’s stance on the CAA remain central topics in the international arena.
Sources By Agencies
