US Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has voiced deep apprehension regarding India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), citing discrimination against Muslims and other minorities based on religion and citizenship. The information was reported by Middle East Eye on Wednesday (March 20).

In a statement, Senator Cardin expressed his concerns about the potential impact of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 on the Muslim community in India, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. He emphasized the importance of ensuring fair and equitable implementation of the law.

The statement comes amidst the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government that it would commence work on implementing the CAA ahead of India's general elections. The CAA aims to grant asylum and citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who settled in India before 2015, citing religious persecution.

However, critics argue that the law discriminates against Muslims and violates the secular principles enshrined in India's constitution. The implementation of the CAA has sparked widespread protests across the country and drawn international scrutiny.

As India navigates the complexities surrounding the CAA, ensuring the protection of minority rights and upholding principles of inclusivity and equality remains paramount for fostering harmony and stability within the nation.