The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has, for the fourth year in a row, recommended inclusion of India’s government in a religious freedom blacklist, noting that conditions in the country for religious minorities “continued to worsen” throughout 2022.
This means Indian Government is accused of “systematic, ongoing [and] egregious violations” of religious freedom.
According to USCIRF, Indian government has “promoted and enforced religiously discriminatory policies”, including laws affecting religious conversion, interfaith relationships, and the wearing of hijabs.
This independent panel further asserts that the Indian government “continued to suppress critical voices — particularly religious minorities”.
It should be mentioned that recent anti-Islam violence during Ram Navami, burning of a Muslim library, censorship of textbooks and many more have raised serious concerns over Muslims’ status in India.
