The USCIRF’s official Twitter handle quoted its commissioner, David Curry, as saying that the commission was “concerned about the continued suppression of voices critical of the Indian government – particularly those of religious minorities and those reporting and advocating for them”. .
India on Saturday rejected as “biased” and “incorrect” comments by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) alleging harassment of human rights advocates, activists, journalists and faith leaders in the country.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said the comments reflected a “serious lack of understanding” of India and its constitutional framework and accused the USCIRF of “repeatedly misrepresenting facts”.
“We have seen biased and inaccurate comments on India by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. These comments reflect a serious lack of India and its constitutional framework, its pluralism and its democratic ethos,” Bagchi said.
USCIRF Commissioner David Curry reacted strongly after expressing concern over the government’s action against his critics, particularly religious minorities and those reporting and advocating for them.
Bagchi said, “Sadly, the USCIRF repeatedly misrepresents facts in its statements and reports in pursuit of its motivated agenda. Such actions only reinforce concerns about the organization’s credibility and fairness.” works to do.”
He was responding to media queries on USCIRF’s comments on India.
In a Twitter post, the USCIRF quoted its commissioner Curry as saying, “USCIRF is concerned about the continued suppression of critical voices by the Indian government – particularly of religious minorities and those reporting on and advocating for them.”
It also tweeted a tweet quoting USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck, which said: “Human rights advocates, journalists, activists and faith leaders in #India are subjected to harassment for speaking out and reporting on the state of religious freedom.” It has to be faced. It does not reflect with a country. History of democracy.”
In another tweet, the USCIRF said it recommends designating India as a CPC (Country of Special Concern) alleging religious freedom violations, including “critical speaking out against these violations”. suppression of voices”.
On its website, the USCIRF describes itself as an independent, bipartisan US federal government agency as amended by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998.