The northeastern Indian state of Assam has abolished a law regulating the personal status of Muslims. The move sparked accusations that the government - led by the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party - is pursuing discriminatory policies towards Muslims.
A representative from Assam said that abolishing the Islamic marriage and divorce law in the state is a provocative step for Muslims in order to win over voters before the elections next May. The repeal of the law came into effect starting yesterday, Saturday, and in response to a question about whether the measure would be implemented before the general elections scheduled for next May, the state's prime minister said it would not be implemented immediately.