India rejects US report on religious freedom

1 May 2015 09:23 am - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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India on Thursday strongly reacted to a report by a US Congress-established panel claiming that minorities in the country have been subjected to “violent attacks” and “forced conversions” after the Modi government assumed power in 2014, saying it does not take cognizance of such reports.

External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “Our attention has been drawn to a report of the USCIRF which has passed judgement on religious freedom in India.

“The report appears to be based on limited understanding of India, its Constitution and its society.”

He further said, “We take no cognisance of the report.”

In its 2015 annual report, USCIRF (US Commission on International Religious Freedom) said, “Since the election, religious minority communities have been subject to derogatory comments by politicians linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and numerous violent attacks and forced conversions by Hindu nationalist groups, such as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).”

It also said that despite the country’s status as a pluralistic, secular democracy, India has long struggled to protect minority religious communities or provide justice when crimes occur, which perpetuates a climate of impunity.

USCIRF said in December 2014, Hindu groups announced plans to forcibly “reconvert” at least 4,000 Christian families and 1,000 Muslim families to Hinduism in Uttar Pradesh on Christmas day as part of a so-called ‘Ghar Wapsi’ (returning home) programme.

It may be mentioned that US President Barack Obama had twice made a strong pitch for religious tolerance in India.(PTI).

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Comments - 16

Cheers Friday, 01 May 2015 03:01 PM

India and USA Tamils carried the war for 30 years did they respect any religion know they massacred Buddhist and Muslims butchered them

Mailmen Friday, 01 May 2015 03:09 PM

Now its time India is put under the gun. via DM Android App

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 01 May 2015 03:30 PM

Do not blame others for our faults. The ethnic conflict in SL is a result of poor quality racist leaders who instigate an equally benign population.

Dev Friday, 01 May 2015 03:35 PM

Difference between India and Sri Lanka

pradeepan Friday, 01 May 2015 03:55 PM

China better than India. India

Samam Friday, 01 May 2015 04:30 PM

Stupid US poking at others as usual. Why not you set the example? Yes I know Baltimore was a bad example!

Nishan Friday, 01 May 2015 04:55 PM

why they should set examples when there are plenty of slaves in third world country who believes anything these crooks say?

Bloom Friday, 01 May 2015 05:11 PM

Blaming US and India for our faults is the most stupid thing I have ever heard. The war started due to our Racism not theirs

Ravi Friday, 01 May 2015 06:22 PM

India under Modi moving towards Hindu extremism similar to Buddhist extremism in Srilanka under MR regime.

Mason Friday, 01 May 2015 07:33 PM

Under the Modi government minority religions are being harassed. The authorities are turning a blind eye probably on orders of the regime in power.

patriot Friday, 01 May 2015 08:33 PM

high time that India should look into their own problems before trying to settle their neighbours problems via DM Android App

David Friday, 01 May 2015 09:36 PM

Why they are not watching pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Indonesia. ....where minorities being persecuted ..

Nims Saturday, 02 May 2015 01:46 AM

What is happening in Baltimore right now??

sara Saturday, 02 May 2015 04:44 AM

What USA is say is correct. Modi goverment is trying to do this for long. They are also strategically trying to demlolish Taj Mahal as its something do with Muslim King .

Shan Saturday, 02 May 2015 07:27 AM

I wonder why US is not applying the same pressure to countries like Saudi Arabia, pakistan where threre is absolutely no religous freedom without complaining about more moderate countries

SL in KSA Monday, 04 May 2015 03:18 PM

Where exactly were you born???

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India rejects US report on religious freedom

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