US religious freedom report highlights ‘continued targeted attacks’ on minorities in India

The US State Department released a report on Monday highlighting “continued targeted attacks” on religious minorities in India, including Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindu Dalits, and indigenous communities.

The 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom came out a month before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US on June 22. The report also names Russia and China.

Sharing the details of the state of religious minorities in India, a senior state department official said that he has been saddened to see what has been highlighted in the report.

“The US Holocaust Museum continues to draw considerable attention to the human rights situation in India and lists it as one of its top countries of concern and with – with regards to potential for mass killings there,” the official said.

India is ranked eighth among 162 countries for the highest risk of mass killing by the US holocaust museum’s early warning project.

In its report, the State Department also observed “dehumanizing rhetoric, including open calls for genocide against Muslims, lynching and other hate-fueled violence,” the official said.

The report lists attacks on places of worship and home demolitions, and in some cases, impunity and even clemency for those who have engaged in attacks on religious minorities.

On August 15, the Gujarat government had approved the application under its...

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