Narendra Modi’s new anti-Muslim citizenship law sparks fear, panic and protests in India

Under the law, non-Muslims who illegally migrated to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan will get citizenship, but not Muslims

If passed, the move threatens the secular foundation of the world’s second-most populous nation and its constitution that treats all religions equally

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:17pm, 9 Dec 2019Updated: 12:34am, 10 Dec 2019

India’s parliament is set to approve legislation preventing Muslim migrants from neighbouring countries from receiving citizenship – the next step in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hardline Hindu nationalist programme and one that is seen to go against the nation’s secular constitution.

The controversial citizenship bill has sparked protests and fear around India, with lawyers working overtime to help millions at risk of being left stateless in the world’s largest democracy.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill was introduced amid opposition protests and government cheers in the Lok Sabha or lower house of Parliament on Monday. It is listed for debate later in the day.

The proposed changes will allow citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsees, and Christians who illegally migrated to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Activists burn an effigy of Narendra Modi during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Kolkata on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

If passed as expected, the move threatens the secular foundation of the world’s second-most populous nation and its constitution that treats all religions equally.