Violent Protests On Citizenship Amendment Act 'Unfortunate', 'Deeply Distressing': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken against the violent anti-Citizenship Act protests that have swept the country. In a series of tweets, PM Modi expressed anguish over the latest developments. “Violent protests on the Citizenship Amendment Act are unfortunate and deeply distressing. Debate, discussion and dissent are essential parts of democracy but, never has damage to public property and disturbance of normal life been a part of our ethos,” PM Modi said in his first tweet on the issue. In another tweet, the Prime Minister stressed on the massive political support that the Citizenship Act has got in both Houses of Parliament. “The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 was passed by both Houses of Parliament with overwhelming support. Large number of political parties and MPs supported its passage. This Act illustrates India’s centuries old culture of acceptance, harmony, compassion and brotherhood,” the Prime Minister tweeted. Citizenship Act Protests LIVE UPDATES

PM Modi reiterated the government’s stand that no Indian citizen will be affected by the new Act. “I want to unequivocally assure my fellow Indians that CAA does not affect any citizen of India of any religion. No Indian has anything to worry regarding this Act. This Act is only for those who have faced years of persecution outside and have no other place to go except India,” PM Modi said.

Violent protests on the Citizenship Amendment Act are unfortunate and deeply distressing.

Debate, discussion and dissent are essential parts of democracy but, never has damage to public property and disturbance of normal life been a part of our ethos.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2019

Urging the people of India to exercise restraint, PM Modi said that, “The need of the hour is for all of us to work together for the development of India and the empowerment of every Indian, especially the poor, downtrodden and marginalised. We cannot allow vested interest groups to divide us and create disturbance.” He also stressed people maintaining peace. “This is the time to maintain peace, unity and brotherhood. It is my appeal to everyone to stay away from any sort of rumour mongering and falsehoods,” the Prime Minister said in his concluding tweet. 

The Twitter appeal by Prime Minister gains significance as it comes a day after the violent crackdown by the Delhi Police on the students of the prestigious Jamia Millia Islamia University. Previously, the Prime Minister had slammed the Congress for fanning the protests. During a poll rally in Jharkhand, the Prime Minister had said that, “the Congress and its allies are spreading lies and more lies on CAB. The CAB affects no citizen of India. In line with our ethos of assimilation and compassion, it ensures a better life for persecuted minorities from other nations. “