USCIRF Report: 500 Churches and 2 Synagogues Desecrated in India

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has reported the desecration of 500 churches and two synagogues in India over the past year, highlighting a troubling rise in religious intolerance, Muslim Mirror reported yesterday.

The report attributes these incidents to growing religious polarization and the influence of extremist groups, with regions like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh experiencing the most attacks. Many perpetrators reportedly act with impunity, often due to local authorities’ alleged complicity.

While the Indian government has dismissed the USCIRF’s findings as biased, religious rights activists argue that the response fails to acknowledge the reality faced by minorities. The report calls for an independent investigation and immediate protective measures for religious institutions. International advocacy groups have expressed concern, urging diplomatic engagement to address these issues.