U.S. Commission flags alleged systematic violations of religious freedom in India
New Delhi: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has raised concerns over what it describes as a deteriorating state of religious freedom in India. In its annual report, the commission has recommended that the U.S. State Department designate India as a "Country of Particular Concern" for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.
Authored by senior policy analyst Sema Hasan, the report highlights the use of misinformation and disinformation, including hate speech by government officials, to incite violent attacks against religious minorities and their places of worship. It states that throughout 2024, individuals have been killed, beaten, and lynched by vigilante groups, religious leaders have been arbitrarily arrested, and homes and places of worship have been demolished, which it classified as severe violations of religious freedom.
The report further criticises changes to and enforcement of India's legal framework, which it claims target and disenfranchise religious minorities. It cited examples such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a uniform civil code, and various state-level anti-conversion and cow slaughter laws.
India has consistently denied visas to USCIRF members since the tenure of the Manmohan Singh-led government, citing "interference" in its internal affairs. The State Department has so far refrained from accepting the commission's recommendation to categorise India as a "Country of Particular Concern."
Several Indian and Indian-American groups have accused the USCIRF of biased and agenda-driven reporting, aimed at tarnishing India's image.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
