In yet another move fulfilling BJP ruling party’s exclusionary agenda, India’s Parliament on passed a bill that would deny Muslims from other countries a right to seek Indian citizenship.
The measure, known as Citizenship Amendment Bill or CAB, went through the upper chamber of the parliament with a 125-100 yes vote, following its approval by the lower house on Tuesday.
Under the new measure, only non-Muslim members of minority populations from regional countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan would be admitted as Indian citizens when they apply as victims of persecution.
The latest move by the ultra-nationalist government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has drawn widespread criticism and comes months after New Delhi robbed the Muslim-majority and disputed Kashmir region of its autonomy, paving the way for majority Hindu population to establish settlements and businesses.
The United States Commission for International Religious Freedom has condemned the move, and recommended sanctions against Home Minister Amit Shah, who often spews out anti-Muslim venom in his speeches.
Indian Opposition political parties have called the move another setback to Indian secularism and Pakistan has dubbed the move as reflective of BJP’s fascist mindset.
The passage of the bill has deeply upset Indian Muslims.
