Senator Cardin expressed distress over the timing of the implementation, citing the holy month of Ramadan, which could exacerbate tensions…reports Asian Lite News
An American senator, Ben Cardin, has expressed profound concern regarding the Indian government’s notification of rules for the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Cardin emphasized the significance of upholding shared values, particularly in the context of the deepening relationship between the United States and India, where the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of religion, remains paramount.
The CAA, implemented by the Indian government, aims to grant citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the CAA on India’s Muslim community.
Senator Cardin expressed distress over the timing of the implementation, citing the holy month of Ramadan, which could exacerbate tensions. He stressed that as the partnership between the US and India evolves, it is imperative that cooperation is rooted in the shared commitment to safeguarding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The US State Department has also voiced apprehension over the implementation of the CAA, emphasizing the importance of respecting religious freedom and ensuring equal treatment under the law for all communities, principles fundamental to democracy.
However, India has strongly rejected criticism from the US State Department, asserting that it is “misinformed and unwarranted.” Despite these tensions, the dialogue surrounding the CAA underscores the complex interplay between domestic policies, international relations, and the protection of human rights on a global scale.