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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Pope Leo XIV blasts 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling the US-Israeli war in Iran
Rome AP: In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” that is fueling the US-Israel war in Iran and demanded political leaders stop and negotiate peace.
Leo presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica on the same day the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan and as a fragile ceasefire held.
History's first US-born pope didn't mention the United States or President Donald Trump in his prayer, which was planned before the talks were announced. But Leo's tone and message appeared directed at Trump and US officials, who have boasted of US military superiority and justified the war in religious terms.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” Leo demanded. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
