(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/18/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today reiterated its longstanding appeal to the Biden administration, echoing the recent statement by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), urging the immediate designation of India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
USCIRF’s call aligns with the pressing need to address widespread religious freedom violations in India, particularly targeting India’s Muslim, Sikh, and Christian populations.
“Due to India’s systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief, USCIRF implores the U.S. Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern (CPC),” stated the recent USCIRF release.
SEE: USCIRF Deeply Concerned by India’s Transnational Repression Against Religious Minorities | USCIRF
The government of India was reportedly behind a shocking murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, while an attempted Indian assassination plot in the U.S. aimed to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was allegedly thwarted by federal law enforcement, underscoring the urgency in addressing rising religious intolerance in India.
The USCIRF statement also highlighted India’s transnational repression of religious minorities and government critics, encompassing intimidation, violence, and coercion by nations against individuals beyond their borders, often targeting activists, journalists, and minority groups. Notably, this repression extends to spyware usage and online harassment targeting journalists and activists advocating for religious minorities. These campaigns followed PM Narendra Modi’s visit and targeted a U.S. journalist questioning religious freedom in India.
In a statement, CAIR’s Director of Government Affairs Department Robert S. McCaw said:
“India’s continued hostility toward religious minorities not only endangers communities within its borders but also resonates globally, threatening Sikhs and Muslims in Canada and across North America. The recent violence, including the murder in Canada and the attempted assassination plot in the U.S., underscores the urgent necessity to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern. This designation is crucial as a response and safety measure to protect the rights of all religious groups, particularly in India.
“The USCIRF’s findings highlight the critical necessity for swift action. It is imperative that the Biden administration and State Department promptly acknowledge these recommendations and take decisive steps to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern. This designation stands as a vital measure to safeguard religious freedoms and ensure the safety of religious communities in India and abroad.”
In March, CAIR welcomed the release of the USCIRF’s “2023 Annual Report” by calling on the State Department to follow the commission’s recommendations by finally designating India as a CPC.
For the fourth year in a row, USCIRF recommended the U.S. government designate India a CPC for targeting Muslims and other religious minorities. CPCs are countries designated by the U.S. government where those listed governments engage in or tolerate “particularly severe” violations of religious freedom.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La ission de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com