The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations (FIACONA) thanks the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for recognizing the grave downward spiral of affairs in India despite India being a democratic nation
April 28, 2020, Washington DC. The fact that India prides herself as a democratic state makes it even more critical for her to behave like one respecting the fundamental rights of every citizens and not undermine any sections of the society.
The President of FIACONA Mr. Koshy George said, “I am worried that the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities continues even during the Coronavirus lockdown and I am very disappointed with Prime Minister Modi for not condemning such behavior of his party cadre forcefully”.
He further said, ‘I thank the USCRIRF for recognizing the real state of affairs on the ground in India and India’s downward trend in upholding democratic traditions’.
Mr. John Prabhudoss, the Chairman of FIACONA thanked Commissioner Nadine Maenza for highlighting the specific national issues. He also wanted to know when will Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will be designated as a non-state actor in India?
The Commission said in its report, “Throughout 2019, government action—including the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), continued enforcement of cow slaughter and anti-conversion laws, and the November Supreme Court ruling on the Babri Masjid site—created a culture of impunity for nationwide campaigns of harassment and violence against religious minorities”.
FIACONA strongly recommends that the US government must take the lead in sanctioning non-state actors and specific individuals in India who perpetrate violent acts against Christian and other religious minorities to send a loud and clear message.
FIACONA also thanked the Trump Administration for its focus and prioritizing Religious Freedom issues in its foreign policy approach. FIACONA hopes that the President understands the serious threat to the state of India and the US interests from the Hindu nationalist movement.
