On Tuesday, the U.S. government agency, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), submitted a report accusing India of mistreating minorities and endangering religious freedom.
According to a Reuters report, the USCIRF report accuses India`s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), of conspiring to assassinate individuals suspected of being Sikh separatists.
The report even suggests imposing sanctions on RAW. This news was also reported by DW Bangla.
However, there is no obligation for the U.S. government to accept the panel`s recommendations. Experts believe that the United States is unlikely to ban RAW.
India has previously accused this panel of being biased.
Accusations of Conspiracy Against Khalistanis
Since 2023, RAW has been accused of harassing various individuals in the United States and Canada suspected of being Khalistani separatists.
One such allegation involves former RAW officer Vikas Yadav, who was arrested for an alleged failed plot to assassinate Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India, however, denies these accusations.
Tuesday`s report also states that the situation regarding religious freedom in India remained concerning in 2024.
India`s Response
In response to the report, India`s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, calling the report biased and politically motivated.
The statement said that USCIRF is highlighting isolated incidents to undermine India`s pluralistic society, revealing its agenda.
The ministry stated, "In a country of 1.4 billion people, representatives of almost every religion on earth can be found. However, we do not expect USCIRF to recognize India`s pluralistic ideology and religious harmony."
Professor Imankalyan Lahiri from the Department of International Relations at Jadavpur University told Deutsche Welle that
"RAW is a secretive organization, and it is natural for it to operate with discretion. Therefore, declaring RAW illegal would not affect its methods of operation."
Iman further noted that India is a large country with people from many religions, and he does not believe that the minority community in India is at risk. He disagrees with the conclusions of the report.
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