India has seen pockets of protests after the government announced the implementation of a citizenship law. The law makes it easier for religious minorities from neighbouring countries to become Indian citizens but excludes Muslims.



Guwahati

India recently initiated the enforcement of a new citizenship law, sparking protests in various regions across the country. The legislation aims to simplify the process for religious minorities from neighboring nations to acquire Indian citizenship. However, it notably excludes Muslims from this provision.

The implementation of this law has led to public dissent, underlining the controversial nature of its exclusionary stance towards Muslims. Demonstrations have been reported in several pockets of India, indicating a significant level of opposition to the government's latest move.



India implements citizenship law amid protests

They have been here before, protesting against a law that they say excludes them based solely on religion. But since India's government gave the green light to implement the controversial citizenship law on Monday, they have gathered again on the streets of Kerala, making themselves visible, making themselves heard. They want to create problems in the future. If I'm rendered stateless in my own country for the mere reason that I do not possess my grandfather's birth certificate, then what message are you trying to imply? The point is that you cannot make a law on the grounds of religion. The Citizenship Amendment Act fast-tracks refuge for minorities from three neighboring countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. By focusing only on religious minorities, the law excludes Muslims, who are a majority in all three countries. Critics say that stands in direct contrast to India's secular constitution, setting religion as a criteria for citizenship. We feel this is not good for the country. Political parties who are bringing in such laws to polarize, we want to tell them that creating such divisions for political benefits and to divide the society is a very dangerous move and it should be stalled. The law, passed in 2019 by parliament, was met with months of protests. Dozens were killed, thousands were arrested. That reaction made Narendra Modi's ruling party hold off implementing it. But now it's going forward. And so are a new wave of protests. A student union group in the eastern state of Assam hold torches, demanding the law be scrapped altogether. On the streets of the capital, New Delhi, Muslims gather to break their fast at sunset, as they will do for 30 days during the holy month of Ramadan. The scenes are quiet and peaceful. But the whispers of what could happen once again on these streets are on many minds. With the general election scheduled for May, many feel the citizenship law and what it entails will once again be a point of contention for many. That may lead to widespread anger and division at the polls and on the streets. Imranullah Khan, Al Jazeera.

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