US Urges Accountability for Religious Attacks in India: 2022 Religious Freedom Report

The United States has voiced concerns over the ongoing “targeted” attacks against Muslims and other minority communities in India, urging the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure accountability for such acts, according to the 2022 report on religious freedom.

A senior official from the State Department, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed deep concern over the situation during a press briefing following the report’s release. “We remain in direct contact with our Indian colleagues regarding these issues. The details in the report are truly disheartening,” said the official.

The report was issued by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who acknowledged both advancements and, worryingly, the amplification of some concerning patterns. The report’s findings, seen as damaging to India’s global reputation, come as the country is set to host several G-20 meetings, including in disputed Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Fernand de Varennes, cautioned that India’s decision to hold a G20 working group meeting on tourism from May 22-24 in Srinagar seems to be an attempt to normalize what many perceive as a military occupation.

On May 15, de Varennes issued a statement highlighting severe human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, torture, and the denial of political rights to Kashmiri Muslims and other minorities, following the suspension of democratic rights and direct rule from New Delhi since August 6, 2019.

The State Department official stated, “The report notes ongoing targeted attacks on religious groups, including Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindu Dalits, and indigenous communities, as well as dehumanizing rhetoric and open calls for genocide against Muslims. This includes hate-driven violence, such as lynching, attacks on places of worship, home demolitions, and in certain cases, impunity and even leniency for those behind these attacks. In addition, we continue to see state-level restrictions on religious attire.”

“We continue to urge the Indian government to condemn such violence, ensure accountability for those involved in dehumanizing rhetoric against religious minorities, and protect all groups from violence,” the official added.

This annual report by the State Department, which has previously criticized the state of religious freedom in India, documents numerous instances and cases of violations based on local news reports and civil society accounts.

Additional input from the APP