2024 US State Department Report on Religious Freedom: A Focus on India
The US State Department has released its 2024 Annual Report on Religious Freedom Around the World. During the release, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the global efforts to safeguard religious freedom.
This comprehensive report assesses the state of religious freedom in approximately two hundred countries. The findings regarding India are particularly concerning, highlighting a rise in hate speech, the demolition of houses, and places of worship belonging to religious minority communities. The report also raises issues about India’s anti-conversion laws. Historically, India has dismissed such report
s, with the Indian Foreign Minister previously labeling the publishing organization as biased. The Indian Foreign Ministry maintains that the annual report propagates misinformation about India.
Key Findings on India
Increased Communal Violence and Discrimination
The report indicates that religious freedom conditions in India have continued to deteriorate through 2023. It points out that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has fostered a discriminatory nationalist narrative, exacerbating societal hatred.
Failure to Address Violence Against Minorities
The report criticizes the BJP government for its inadequate response to communal violence targeting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and tribals. Laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), anti-conversion laws, and cow slaughter regulations have been cited as tools for targeting religious minorities and their advocates.
Specific Incidents Highlighted
- Manipur Violence: In June 2023, violence in Manipur led to the destruction of over five churches and the displacement of seventy thousand people. The report highlights criticism faced by Home Minister Amit Shah and mentions a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to the ongoing violence.
- Article 370 Abrogation: The BJP government’s 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is noted. The report states that the government has detained Kashmiri journalists, religious leaders, and human rights advocates, mentioning the arrest of Irfan Meraj in March for his reporting on marginalized communities.
- Haryana Violence: In July, violence erupted in Nuh, Haryana, during a Hindu procession in a Muslim-majority area. The participants reportedly brandished swords and chanted anti-Muslim slogans. The violence was allegedly incited by Monu Mane Sir, accused of killing two Muslim youths in January for cow smuggling.
Ongoing Issues
- Kashmiri Detainees: The report mentions continued detentions of Kashmiri figures following the abrogation of Article 370.
- Violence Against Hazaras: Persistent violence against the Hazaras and their religious sites since 2010 is documented.
- Railway Guard Incident: The report details an incident where a railway guard killed three Muslim passengers after questioning their names and religion.
Media and NGO Surveillance
The report states that media outlets reporting on religious minorities are under strict scrutiny under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). It specifically mentions the revocation of the FCRA license of the Center for Policy Research (CPR) in February 2000, an NGO known for highlighting social discrimination.
Conclusion
The 2024 Annual Report on Religious Freedom by the US State Department paints a troubling picture of the state of religious freedom in India. With increasing violence, discriminatory laws, and inadequate government response, the situation for religious minorities remains precarious. The report calls for greater attention and action to protect religious freedom in India and worldwide.