Indian Minorities Foundation criticises US religious watchdog USCIRF report as 'misguided'
- In Reports
- 03:34 PM, Jun 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) strongly condemned the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)'s International Religious Freedom report on India. The IMF accused the religious watchdog of attempting to distort India's global image by likening the Indian government to "authoritarian regimes" such as Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and China. The IMF asserted that the religious watchdog overlooked India's democratic framework, vibrant civil society, and pluralism.
In a letter condemning the USCIRF's report, the IMF stated that USCIRF's efforts to label India alongside authoritarian regimes like Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, and China overlook India's democratic framework, vibrant civil society, and pluralistic history. This mischaracterisation, the IMF argued, undermines USCIRF's credibility and understanding of India's religious freedom landscape.
Responding to USCIRF's 2023 report, which recommended India as a "country of particular concern," the NGO questioned whether the USCIRF was acting as an "agent of conflict" or an "instrument of harmony." The IMF's critique suggested that USCIRF's approach may not accurately reflect India's complex socio-political realities and its commitment to religious diversity and tolerance.
The Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) criticised the USCIRF's value judgments on religious freedom, asserting that they show no respect for India's unity and territorial integrity. The IMF highlighted that since 2020, the USCIRF has consistently attempted to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Referring to the USCIRF's stance on Kashmir in relation to Article 370, the IMF pointed out that the Indian Supreme Court upheld the move, affirming its constitutionality. Moreover, the Indian Election Commission has initiated steps to conduct elections in the region, aiming to restore statehood. The IMF also accused the religious watchdog of misrepresenting the Khalistani issue as a matter of "religious freedom."
The IMF underscored that the US State Department has not endorsed the USCIRF's views, emphasising that these claims do not align with the actual circumstances on the ground or with India's profound commitment to religious freedom and democratic values.
In a critical analogy, the IMF likened the USCIRF's activism on religious freedom in India to a historical mistake akin to the confusion faced by Allied fighter aircraft during the early years of the Second World War, where distinguishing between "friend" and "foe" was challenging.
Image source: Times of India
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