CAA not anti-Muslim, lots of misconception about it: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday defended Citizenship (Amendment) Act, saying it is t anti-Muslim and described "apprehensions and misconception" surrounding newly enacted legislation as "unfounded and motivated". Seeking to allay "needless fear-psychosis" sought to be created in certain sections of society, he said only purpose of Act is to ensure wellbeing of mirities who have been "persecuted on basis of religion" in Pakistan, Banglesh and Afghanistan.

RE: Nirmala Sitharaman On Mamata Banerjee's UN Intervention Remark

" Citizenship Amendment Act is t anti-Muslim from any angle and misconceptions and apprehensions surrounding Act is unfounded and motivated," Singh told reporters here. Union Minister of State for PMO said since Muslims are neir in mirity in Pakistan, Banglesh and Afghanistan r do y face any persecution because of ir religious affiliation in se countries which have Islam as ir State religion, y are obviously t included in Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

However, Singh said, this does t mean that a foreigner of any religion from any country, including a Muslim, cant apply for Indian citizenship. "If he or she is eligible to do so as per Section 6 of Citizenship Act, 1955, he or she can apply. CAA brought in by this government does t change those provisions," he said.

At same time, minister said Act does t in any way discriminate against Indian Muslims who are bona fide citizens. Singh appealed to members of Muslim community to re newly enacted law thoroughly so that y would understand that re is t a single word or phrase in entire Act which even indirectly suggests any discrimination against Indian Muslims.

He said from time to time, over last half a century, successive Congress governments h expressed concerns over hardships suffered by mirity communities in se three neighbouring countries. Singh also referred to assurance given by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Parliament on vember 5, 1950, where he h said, "re is doubt, of course, that those displaced persons who h come to settle in India are bound to have citizenship. If law is inequate in this respect, law should be changed".

RE: Asuddin Owaisi Condemns Nation-wide Violence During Anti-CAA Protests