US Religious Freedom Panel Calls for Sanctions Against RSS Ahead of Bhagwat’s Visit

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has escalated concerns regarding religious freedom in India by urging sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), coinciding with the anticipated visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to the United States. The request for sanctions reflects the growing unease in the US regarding the treatment of religious minorities in India, especially ahead of significant events connecting Indian and American communities.

Chairman Asif Mahmood of the USCIRF articulated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s affiliation with the RSS is alarming, as the organization has been described as a dominant entity that has fostered an environment hostile to religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims. The USCIRF’s position underscores an ongoing dialogue about the implications of Hindutva politics on India’s secular fabric, a topic of significant debate among political analysts and human rights advocates.

Commissioner Gene Mills echoed these sentiments, urging that RSS leaders should not be afforded diplomatic honors or high-level engagements during Bhagwat’s visit. He emphasized the need for accountability and urged the US administration to address the issue of individuals within the RSS who are implicated in violations of religious freedoms. This recommendation appears to stem from the USCIRF’s broader mission to monitor and report on the global state of religious freedom.

Bhagwat is scheduled to visit New York on August 29 to partake in the Universal Oneness Celebrations, an event organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue. This visit has drawn particular scrutiny from the USCIRF, especially in light of their previous recommendations that designated India as a “country of particular concern” due to persistent allegations of systematic and egregious religious freedom violations. This marks the seventh instance the USCIRF has made such a recommendation, indicating a consistent concern regarding the treatment of minorities in India.

The call for sanctions against the RSS is a significant diplomatic move that reflects the shifting dynamics between the US and India, especially regarding human rights issues. While India has evolved into a crucial partner for the US in terms of strategic relations, the emphasis on human rights and religious freedom remains a contentious issue that could complicate bilateral discussions. As the global community closely watches these developments, the implications of the USCIRF’s recommendations could resonate within India’s political landscape, potentially influencing public opinion and policy decisions.

Source: scroll.in