WASHINGTON: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has raised concerns about religious freedom in India.
The commission has urged the Trump administration to consider action against people linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
It has also called for targeted sanctions against some Indian officials and RSS members.
USCIRF Calls for Action
USCIRF says it has concerns about attacks on religious minorities in India.
The commission has asked the US government to consider sanctions against those linked to such acts.
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It has also called for the cancellation of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s US visa.
Bhagwat is visiting the United States. He plans to speak at an event in New York on August 29.
Mohan Bhagwat to Attend New York Event
Bhagwat will speak at an event called the “Universal Oneness Celebration.”
The event will take place in Manhattan.
Organizers say the event will bring Hindu Americans together.
They also say it will promote unity and dialogue among different faiths.
The event has drawn criticism from some US groups and rights activists.
Concerns Over the RSS
The RSS is a major Hindu group in India.
The group has close ties with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the BJP.
USCIRF says groups linked to the RSS have faced claims of violence and hate against religious minorities.
The claims include attacks against Muslims and Christians.
The RSS rejects these claims.
The group says it promotes Hindu culture and social unity.
India Rejects US Criticism
The Indian government has rejected past USCIRF reports and statements.
Indian officials have also questioned the commission’s view of religious freedom in India.
New Delhi has called some of its reports unfair and biased.
The Indian government says its policies do not target any religious group.
It also says people from all communities can benefit from government programs.
Debate Over Religious Freedom
The USCIRF statement comes ahead of Bhagwat’s New York event.
The issue has again drawn attention to religious freedom in India.
Rights groups have raised concerns about hate speech and the treatment of minorities.
They have also raised concerns about laws and government actions that affect religious groups.
The Indian government rejects claims of discrimination.
The debate over religious freedom in India is likely to continue during Bhagwat’s US visit.
