. 04/10/2024 6:45 PM
The USCIRF report highlights a troubling trend in India's religious freedom and democratic conditions in 2023, characterized by systemic violations against religious minorities. Below is a summary of the key findings along with an analysis of the reasons contributing to the deterioration of democracy in India.
Deteriorating Religious Freedom:
Religious freedom conditions in India continued to worsen, especially for Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Jews, and Adivasis.
The government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reinforced discriminatory policies, fostering an environment of hate and communal violence.
Discriminatory Laws and Policies:
Implementation of laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and state-level anti-conversion laws targeted religious minorities, leading to arbitrary detention and surveillance.
NGOs and media reporting on these issues faced strict monitoring, with organizations like the Centre for Policy Research having their FCRA licenses suspended.
Violence Against Religious Minorities:
Reports documented 687 incidents of violence against Christians, with attacks often perpetrated by Hindu mobs. For instance, attacks in Chhattisgarh saw Christians beaten and churches vandalized.
In Manipur, ethnic violence led to the destruction of over 500 churches and synagogues, with more than 70,000 people displaced. The state's response to violence was criticized as inadequate, with allegations of government complicity.
Targeted Actions Against Specific Communities:
Violence against Muslims continued unabated, with police presence during the destruction of mosques and vigilante attacks justified under anti-cow slaughter laws.
The report cites a specific incident in Haryana where communal violence resulted in multiple deaths following a Hindu procession.
Transnational Repression:
The report also discusses instances of Indian authorities targeting religious minorities abroad, notably in the cases of Sikh activists in Canada and the U.S.
Failure of the Judiciary and Government:
The Supreme Court of India upheld controversial decisions, such as the revocation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
The government faced criticism for not protecting religious minorities and places of worship during communal violence.
Anti-Conversion Laws:
13 states enforced anti-conversion laws that hindered conversions and led to the detention of individuals advocating for religious freedom. These laws have also been used to target interfaith marriages.
International Relations and Human Rights:
Despite close U.S.-India relations, there was little acknowledgment from Indian leaders regarding the treatment of religious minorities. U.S. officials raised human rights issues privately, but formal designations of India as a "Country of Particular Concern" were not made.
Rise of Nationalism:
The BJP’s emphasis on Hindu nationalism has led to the marginalization of non-Hindu communities, creating an environment of exclusion and discrimination. The government promotes a narrative that equates Indian identity with Hindu identity, undermining the secular fabric of the state.
Institutional Erosion:
Democratic institutions, including the judiciary and law enforcement, have faced pressures that compromise their independence. There have been numerous instances where judicial decisions appear to align with governmental interests rather than upholding justice.
Legislative Overreach:
The introduction of laws that disproportionately target religious minorities, like anti-conversion laws and the CAA, reflects a legislative agenda that prioritizes the interests of the majority over minority rights.
Suppression of Dissent:
The increasing repression of civil society organizations and media outlets reporting on these issues limits public discourse and transparency, leading to an atmosphere of fear among activists and journalists.
Communal Violence and Inaction:
The government's failure to address communal violence effectively raises concerns about its commitment to protecting all citizens equally. This inaction sends a signal that certain groups can be targeted without consequences.
Transnational Actions:
The involvement of Indian authorities in extraterritorial repression against activists abroad further erodes India's international standing and commitment to human rights.
Global Geopolitical Dynamics:
The strong bilateral ties with the U.S., while economically beneficial, complicate the narrative surrounding human rights, as geopolitical considerations often take precedence over concerns for religious freedom and democratic principles.
The USCIRF report paints a grim picture of religious freedom and democracy in India in 2023. The interwoven factors of nationalism, legislative overreach, institutional erosion, suppression of dissent, and communal violence reflect a systemic crisis threatening the democratic values enshrined in India's Constitution. The failure of both domestic and international actors to address these issues raises concerns about the future of India's democracy and its ability to uphold the rights of all its citizens.
