AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Washington, A report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the independent research wing of the US Congress, has raised concerns that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India could threaten the rights of Muslims and potentially violate key provisions of the country’s constitution.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the brief report titled “In Focus” stated that the CAA’s key provisions allowing immigrants of six religions from three countries a path to citizenship while excluding Muslims might contravene certain articles of the Indian Constitution. The CAA, an anti-Muslim law, took effect in March 2023.
The CRS prepares reports on various topics to help US Congress members make informed decisions. In its three-page report, the CRS highlighted that the CAA, in conjunction with the planned National Register of Citizens (NRC), could undermine the rights of India’s large Muslim minority, estimated to be about 200 million people.
Opponents of the CAA argue that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are advancing a Hindu-majoritarian, anti-Muslim agenda. They contend that this threatens India’s secular status and violates international human rights norms and obligations.
The CRS report mentioned that some members of the US Congress share these concerns. House Resolution 542 in the 118th Congress condemns human rights violations and violations of international religious freedom in India. Senate Resolution 424 seeks to end the persecution of, and violence against, religious minorities and human rights defenders in India, and urges New Delhi to amend discriminatory laws such as the CAA.
The report underscores the growing international scrutiny of India’s domestic policies and the broader implications for religious minorities and human rights. These developments signal increased pressure on India to address the concerns surrounding the CAA and its impact on the country’s secular fabric.