WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again expressed deep concern over what they say is India’s increased transnational repression against religious minorities and activists abroad. The commission has long been critical of India and continued their message in light of recent allegations against India by Canada in the killing of Sikh separatist and Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and an apparent plot to kill Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, a man India has deemed a terrorist.
USCIRF calls on the U.S. Department of State to designate India a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC), citing violations of religious freedom. The commission also claims India is using spyware, harassment online, and legislation to target minorities. They would like the U.S. to engage with their Indian counterparts to urge the safety of religious minorities, both in India and abroad.
In a statement, USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck wants the Biden administration to acknowledge India’s violations of religious freedom. The commission says India uses transnational repression tactics, such as intimidation and violence, used by states against those residing outside their borders.
USCIRF has recommended, since 2020, the designation of India as a CPC, claiming the country’s use of anti-conversion laws targets religious minorities. The State Department has yet to adopt the USCIRF’s recommendation. The commission’s statement also condemned an ‘online harassment campaign’ against U.S. journalist Sabrina Saddique following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit, though there is no evidence the Indian government was behind such an effort. The USCIRF also says they are looking at India’s internal divisions and how it may potentially impact their 2024 elections.
