The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules, allowing Indian citizenship by refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who are non-Muslim.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the law’s implementation before the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing its status as a national initiative.
Protests have erupted across the nation following the law’s enactment in 2019. While Shah assured minorities that their citizenship wouldn’t be affected, West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee declared her government’s refusal to implement CAA or NRC. Security has been heightened in sensitive areas of Delhi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the CAA, accusing it of targeting Muslims.
On the other hand, UP CM Yogi Adityanath praised the CAA for benefiting persecuted minority communities, while Kerala CM Vijayan stated that the law won’t be enforced in the state due to its divisive nature.
Protests against the CAA have begun in several cities including Kolkata and Delhi.