UN withholds comments on India’s anti-Muslim legislation, but urges adoption of non-discriminatory laws

UN withholds comments on India's anti-Muslim legislation, but urges adoption of non-discriminatory laws

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 10 (APP):The United Nations Tuesday withheld comments until the completion of legislative process involving a controversial bill passed by India’s lower house that prevents Muslim migrants from neighboring countries from receiving citizenship, while emphasizing that member states adopt non-discriminatory laws.

“This is a legislation which continuing to go through legislative process … so we wouldn’t have any comments while the domestic legislative process is being carried out,” United Nations Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said in reply to a question from APP at the regular noon briefing.

“At the same time,” he added, “You know what our concern are about making sure that all governments pursue non-discriminatory laws.”

Meanwhile, Muslim organizations, rights groups and others have called the bill a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to marginalize India’s 200-million-strong Muslim minority.

On August 5, Modi illegally annexed Jammu and Kashmir where thousands of troops poured in, setting up roadblocks, imposing a curfew and imprisoning political leaders.

And in November, India’s top court settled a politically charged court battle over the site of Babri Mosque contested for decades between Hindus and Muslims, ruling in the Hindus’ favour.

Throughout, the Modi government has turned a blind eye to mob violence against Muslims.

APP Services