USCIRF condemns demolition of Madrasa in Haldwani, inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya
New Delhi: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has strongly condemned the recent demolition of a Madarsa in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, taking to its official Twitter handle to express its concern. The organization pointed to the broader context of religious tensions, including the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, emphasizing that the events in Haldwani are not isolated incidents.
In a tweet, the USCIRF stated, "USCIRF is disturbed by the demolition and expropriation of mosques in India, including the recent destruction of a mosque in Uttarakhand and inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque."
The USCIRF is an independent and bipartisan federal government agency in the United States tasked with monitoring the universal right to freedom of religion or belief globally. The organization provides policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress.
The violence in Haldwani unfolded last Thursday after authorities demolished a Madarsa, citing it as an "illegal" construction. Subsequently, the state issued 'shoot-at-sight' orders, leading to six fatalities and over 60 injuries.
The USCIRF has been closely monitoring religious freedom in India, expressing concern in 2020 over the Delhi riots and accusing India of "targeting and potentially disenfranchising Muslims across the country, in clear violation of international human rights standards."
For the past four years, the USCIRF has recommended that the US administration designate India as a 'Country of Particular Concern,' a suggestion that has not been accepted since 2020.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has consistently refuted USCIRF's claims, deeming them misleading and factually incorrect. Additionally, Indian American organizations, such as IAMC, have issued statements condemning the violence in Haldwani and expressing concern about the situation of Muslims in India.
USCIRF Cmmr David Curry: “USCIRF is disturbed by the demolition and expropriation of mosques in #India, including the recent destruction of a mosque in Uttarakhand and inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque.” https://t.co/bjrNYFSvke
— USCIRF (@USCIRF) February 9, 2024
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Iran foreign minister Araghchi meets Pakistan Army chief Munir
Islamabad (PTI): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday met Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir here, as Islamabad continued its efforts to facilitate engagement between the US and Iran.
The meeting, according to a short video posted by the Iranian embassy on social media, was also attended by Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, and Iran's ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam.
Araghchi calls on Munir, the embassy said in the video caption.
It did not provide further details about the discussions.
Araghchi arrived here late Friday for engagements with the Pakistani leadership. He was received by senior officials, including Munir, foreign minister Ishaq Dar and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi.
ALSO READ: Fire engulfs over 100 jhuggies in Delhi's Shakur Basti; no casualties
However, there is no clarity on whether direct talks between Washington and Tehran will take place during the visit.
"No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US. Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," Baqaei said in a social media post on Saturday.
Araghchi, before leaving for Islamabad, said that he was embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow, and the purpose of his visits is to "closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments".
"Our neighbours are our priority," he said.
As the Iranian team landed in Islamabad, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US Special Envoy on the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's adviser Jared Kushner would be leaving for Pakistan on Saturday "to engage in direct talks" with representatives of the Iranian delegation.
However, the US team has not yet arrived.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar, in a social media post, expressed hope for "meaningful engagements" between the two warring parties to promote regional peace and stability.
The first round of US-Iran talks held on April 11 and 12 failed to produce a breakthrough, prompting a flurry of diplomatic efforts by host Pakistan to cool tensions and revive hopes for another round of dialogue.
On Tuesday, Trump extended the two-week ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to give Tehran more time to prepare a unified proposal to end the war, just hours before the truce was set to expire.
The Iran war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes.
_vb_19.jpeg)
