Daily Times

Anti-Muslim bias under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s watch has once again shot to the limelight in the view of widespread protests and unrest over the implementation of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This contentious law has sparked fierce debate and division within the country, particularly in relation to its impact on the Muslim community. Passed in December 2019, the CAA offers a path to Indian citizenship for non-Muslim migrants from neighbouring countries. While proponents of the law argue that it provides refuge to persecuted religious minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians, it is increasingly viewed as discriminatory and exclusionary legislation because it excludes Muslims from the list of eligible communities.

The passage of the CAA has ignited protests across the country, with citizens taking to the streets to express their opposition to what they see as a violation of India’s secular values. The demonstrations have brought together people from all walks of life, united in their resistance against a law that they believe undermines the principles of equality and inclusivity. The CAA has been particularly contentious due to its perceived targeting of Muslims. Critics argue that by singling out one religious group for exclusion, the law not only goes against the principles of secularism enshrined in India’s constitution but also sends a dangerous message of intolerance and discrimination. Muslims in India fear that the CAA, coupled with the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), could render them stateless and vulnerable to disenfranchisement. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have raised concerns about the potential for the law to exacerbate religious tensions and marginalize minority communities; leading to a growing sense of alienation and insecurity among the Muslim population. At its core, the controversy surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act is a reflection of the deeper fault lines within Indian society. The law has reignited debates about the definition of Indian identity and the country’s commitment to pluralism and diversity. By excluding Muslims from its ambit, the CAA risks deepening existing divisions and fostering a sense of exclusion among minority communities. Although hopes of sanity taking over remain slim in an election year, the government can only fulfil its responsibilities towards the entire country (not just one particular religion) if it listens to the concerns of its citizens and addresses the underlying grievances that have fueled the protests. A truly inclusive and democratic society is one that upholds the rights and dignity of all its members, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. The contentious citizenship law must be revisited with a view to fostering unity and harmony among India’s diverse population. *