Chief Communication Strategist of the President's Office Ibrahim Hood has stated that the current atrocities being committed against Muslims in India is an internal affair of the neighbouring nation.
The recent amendments to India's citizenship laws have prompted protests across India as Muslims in the country could be rendered 'stateless' due to the amendment.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Wednesday, Spokesperson Hood said in answer to a question that the Maldives government will not involve itself in the internal affairs of India and comment on their issues.
"There are some criteria we consider. Before we make a comment, we consider international laws and human rights conventions. The current situation [in India] does not meet that criteria," said Hood.
However, the government has been advocating for the Muslims being slain in Palestine in the strictest of terms, and holds Israel accountable, said Hood.
The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by the Parliament of India on 11 December 2019. It amended the Citizenship Act of 1955 by providing a path to Indian citizenship for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian religious minorities fleeing persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Muslims were not given such eligibility.
According to the bill, all muslims who migrated to India between 1955 and 2014 must possess required documentation to quality for citizenship. President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, Asaduddin Owaisi, over four million Indian Muslims could become 'stateless' due to the amendment. The amendment has been widely criticized, and has caused large-scale protests in India. Over 23 people have been killed during the protests while Indian army has been targeting Muslims in the country.
Chief Communication Strategist of the President's Office Ibrahim Hood
