Curated By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar
Last Updated: March 15, 2024, 18:53 IST
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
African-American singer Mary Millben congratulated PM Modi for implementing the CAA. (Image: PTI)
African-American singer Mary Millben lauded the CAA and said it was inclusive and a pathway towards peace and religious freedom.
Acclaimed African-American singer Mary Millben on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “demonstrating compassionate leadership” through the implementation of the Citizen (Amendment) Act (CAA) in a video posted on social media site X. She praised PM Modi for providing a home for those facing persecution due to their faith.
“This is a pathway towards peace. This is a true act of democracy,” she said.
Millben said that the CAA was inclusive and is a guide to peace and religious freedom for various religious communities including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists who have faced persecution.
“As a Christian, woman of faith, and global advocate for religious freedom, I applaud the Modi-led government for announcing today the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act now granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan,” she said.
The African-American singer, who is known for her soulful rendition of the Indian national anthem, urged her country’s foreign ministry, the US State Department, to recognise PM Modi’s leadership and continue pushing for improved diplomatic relations with India as PM Modi seeks reelection for a third consecutive term.
Millben said the CAA is a genuine expression of democracy and it offers protection to vulnerable communities.
“@StateDept, PM @narendramodi is demonstrating compassionate leadership towards those being persecuted for their faith and providing a home to them in India. A pathway to peace for Christians/Hindus/Sikhs/Jain/Buddhists seeking religious freedom. When the PM is reelected for a third term, aim to be a better democratic partner in tone. The Citizen Amendment Act is a true act of democracy,” said the US singer in a post on X.
Millben’s remarks come after the US said on Thursday that it is “concerned” about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in India, adding that it is “closely monitoring” the implementation of the act.
“We are concerned about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11. We are closely monitoring how this act will be implemented. Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily briefing on Thursday (local time).
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 is an internal matter of India that aligns with the nation’s inclusive tradition, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday and rebuffed the US’ concerns as “misplaced, misinformed and unwarranted.”
“The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an internal matter of India and is in keeping with India’s inclusive traditions and a long-standing commitment to human rights. The act grants a safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who have entered India on or before 31st December 2014,” MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Millben also thanked PM Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and the Indian government for supporting religious freedom.
The Union Home Ministry notified rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday.
