CAA a “Clear Violation” of Indian Constitution, Says Amnesty International

New Delhi, February 2, 2020:

Human Rights body, Amnesty International has expressed that the recently implemented Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA legitimizes discrimination and that it stands in clear violation of the Indian Constitution.

The Asia Pacific Advocacy Manager of Amnesty International, Francisco Bencosme said that the CAA legitimized discrimination on the basis of religion and stood in clear violation of the constitution of India and international human rights law.

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Bencosme made the observation during a testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations and House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee.

It may be mentioned here that India’s recent citizenship move had triggered widespread criticism from people of different walks. Massive protests had taken place across the nation following the passage of the Bill in the parliament. Curfews, internet suspension and violent protests continued for days in parts of India.

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The CAA grants citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. People have been opposing the government’s push to enact but despite relentless efforts, CAA was enacted.

The protests had led to the death of at least 25 people in the country. Assam, which had been spearheading the protests, witnessed mass resistance with Artistes, intellectuals, learned, young and old taking to the streets and calling out to the people of Assam to join the CAA Andolan.

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