US Singer Mary Millben Applauds PM Modi for CAA as a True Act of Democracy
African-American singer Mary Millben praised PM Modi’s endeavors to offer refuge to individuals experiencing persecution based on their faith.
Renowned African-American singer Mary Millben expressed her admiration on Friday via social media for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonstration of compassionate leadership through the enactment of the Citizen (Amendment) Act (CAA).
In a post circulated on X, Ms. Millben commended PM Modi’s initiatives to offer sanctuary to individuals encountering persecution based on their faith.
She emphasized the inclusiveness of the CAA, providing a route to tranquility and religious liberty for diverse religious communities, such as Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.
The singer urged the US State Department to acknowledge PM Modi’s leadership and to endeavor for enhanced diplomatic ties with India, particularly in the event of his re-election for a third term. Ms. Millben underscored that the CAA symbolizes a sincere manifestation of democracy, extending safeguard and refuge to marginalized communities.
“In a post on X, the US singer stated, “@StateDept, PM @narendramodi is exhibiting compassionate leadership by offering refuge to those facing persecution for their faith in India. It provides a pathway to peace for Christians/Hindus/Sikhs/Jains/Buddhists seeking religious freedom. When the PM secures a third term, strive to enhance democratic partnership in tone. The Citizen Amendment Act epitomizes authentic democracy.”
“At his daily briefing on Thursday (local time), US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller informed reporters that there is concern regarding the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on March 11,”
Mr. Miller stated in response to a question that they are closely observing the implementation of this act. He emphasized that respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are essential democratic principles.
Ms. Millben reiterated her endorsement of India’s recent enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on Monday, affirming, “This signifies a route to tranquility. This exemplifies authentic democracy.”
In an official post on X, Ms. Millben, a Christian and an advocate for religious freedom, praised PM Modi for granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
“As a Christian, woman of faith, and global champion for religious freedom, I commend the Modi-led government for its announcement today regarding the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which now offers Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan,” she remarked.
In her statement, Ms. Millben conveyed appreciation to PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Indian government for their compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to safeguarding religious freedom.
“Thank you, PM @narendramodi @AmitShah and the Indian Government for your compassionate leadership and, most importantly for upholding religious freedom in welcoming those persecuted, the post on X reads.”
Days before the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule, the Union Home Ministry issued rules for the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday.
On several occasions, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) would be notified prior to the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April and May.
The CAA rules, brought forth by the Narendra Modi government and ratified by Parliament in 2019, seek to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, such as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
After Parliament passed the CAA in December 2019 and it received presidential assent, widespread protests erupted in different regions of the country.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules of 2024 allow individuals eligible under the CAA-2019 to seek Indian citizenship, with applications to be submitted entirely through an online platform provided by the government.
On Monday, the government announced the rules for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 aims to provide Indian citizenship to refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who sought refuge in India before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution, belonging to six minority communities in those countries.
The CAA eliminates legal obstacles to resettlement and citizenship, offering a dignified existence to refugees who have endured decades of suffering.