India is now passing through the decade’s deadliest period while at least 27 people, including a police officer, have been killed in violent clashes in Delhi between supporters and opponents of Citizenship Amendment Act – the law which fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from selected neighbouring countries.
The unrest coincided with US President Donald Trump’s visit to India. Police lobbed tear gas canisters as protesters hurled stones, damaged property and set numerous vehicles and a gasoline pump station on fire. It was learnt that several Indian journalists have also been injured while covering the clashes.
Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday tweeted that police were “unable to control situation and instil confidence” despite ongoing efforts. He requested that the military be deployed and a curfew be imposed in affected areas.
A large number of Indians have been protesting over the controversial CAA for the last couple of months, which categorically denied citizenship to Muslims from neighbouring countries.
Most of the opposition parties, including Congress Party, said the law was unconstitutional as it bases citizenship on a person’s religion. Besides, it would further can take an attempt to marginalise India’s 200-million strong Muslim community.
However defending CAA, the government of Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the law is aimed to protect religious minorities who fled persecution in their home countries.
Interestingly, Trump did not utter a single word about the clash during his visit. Answering to a question from the media in New Delhi on Tuesday, Mr Trump said that he had not raised the clashes with his counterpart Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but they had discussed “religious freedom”.
Trump’s one single statement can clear the present stance of US government about the “real” religious freedom of Muslim community in the world.
Another reason – America’s business interest in India. Though big business deals weren’t signed this time, India will buy attack helicopters and other military hardware from USA worth US$ 3billion.
In no way, Washington would want to lose the possibility of doing more business with the Indians. Whatever the reasons for the American President remaining silent maybe, the deadly clash has sent a clear negative message about the communal policy of Indian government across the globe.
To the shame of his own people Indian Prime Minister Mr Modi appeared much too anxious to please the US President Donald Trump. He looked ingratiatingly small before the US President who in his own country is most divisive and highly controversial leader. We cannot see what greatness Modi can learn from Trump.
