Earlier this week, Stephen hosted a discussion in Parliament on India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
Opening the meeting, he paid tribute to the Indian Constitution drawn up after independence by Dr B R Ambedkar, and in particular to its commitment to equality irrespective of religious faith.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed in December. It identifies residents of India, originally from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, previously regarded as illegal migrants, who can now obtain Indian citizenship unless they are Muslims. Stephen expressed sadness at this move away from the constitution’s commitment to equality, and sympathy for the fears of many in India about where this could lead.
Participation in the well-attended meeting was organised by Indian Muslim Association (UK), founded in 1969. The organisation’s President, Shamsu Agha, spoke after Stephen.
Other Members of Parliament from three political parties also attended the meeting: Jon Cryer, Sam Tarry, Mohammed Yasin, Lyn Brown, Jim Shannon and Mark Logan. Unmesh Desai, Member of the London Assembly, also attended and spoke.
The discussion focused on the impact of the CAA on democracy and human rights in India. Many spoke of the potentially dangerous consequences of the Act, in dividing a historically secular and inclusive country on the basis ofreligion.
Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I support those who have expressed alarm about the CAA. I admire the democratic, secular values on which India’s success has been built. This act puts them under threat. We are seeing campaigners from all faith backgrounds and ethnic groups taking a stand against the alienation of large swathes of the population."
Stephen has written to the Foreign Secretary asking what response the British Government is making; and to the Indian High Commissioner requesting a meeting.