Religious freedom has deteriorated 'significantly' in India under Hindu right-wing government of PM Narendra Modi, a US commission says, as it again seeks targeted sanctions over abuses
US Commission on International Religious Freedom points to"numerous" attacks on Muslims and Christians, accusing Modi government of promoting an"ideological vision of a Hindu state" through policies hostile to minorities.
It was the third straight year that the US Commission on International Religious Freedom asked that India be placed on a list of "countries of particular concern" –– a recommendation that has angered New Delhi and is virtually certain to be dismissed by the State Department., the panel –– which is appointed to offer recommendations but does not set US policy –– voiced wide concern about South Asia and also backed the State Department's inclusion of Pakistan on the blacklist.
"Government action, including the continued enforcement of anti-conversion laws against non-Hindus, has created a culture of impunity for nationwide campaigns of threats and violence by mobs and vigilante groups, including against Muslims and Christians accused of conversion activities," it added. Biden is expected to meet Modi next month in Tokyo as part of a four-way summit of the "Quad" with Japan and Australia.
Muslims were also accused of spreading Covid-19. In recent years, Hindu mobs have targeted Muslims praying on Fridays in northern India.
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