New Delhi, Muslim leaders and community groups across India have united in opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), claiming it discriminates against Muslims and threatens their citizenship rights.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the CAA has been met with significant resistance from India’s Muslim population, who view it as an exclusionary measure that could endanger their status in the country. The Act, which facilitates citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, is perceived as part of a broader agenda that could also involve the National Register of Citizens (NRC), heightening fears among Muslims about potential disenfranchisement.

The legislation’s passage in December 2019 has been a focal point of contention, with critics arguing that it undermines India’s secular constitution by linking citizenship with religion. Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent opposition figure and AIMIM chief, has been vociferous in his criticism, drawing parallels between the CAA’s underlying ideology and historical figures associated with religious bigotry.

The concerns extend beyond legislative measures, encompassing broader issues of social harmony and minority rights. Instances of hate speech, communal violence, and discriminatory practices against Muslims have reportedly escalated, raising questions about the prevailing climate of tolerance and pluralism in India.

In addition to grassroots opposition, political figures like Congress leader Digvijaya Singh have also spoken out against the CAA. Singh condemned the Act as divisive and unconstitutional, emphasizing the need to uphold principles of equality and secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

The debate over the CAA reflects deep-seated anxieties among India’s Muslim communities and highlights the ongoing struggle for minority rights in the face of changing political dynamics. The controversy surrounding the Act underscores the broader challenges facing India’s democratic and secular fabric.