Washington, Apr 29: A US government panel on Tuesday called for India to be put on a religious freedom blacklist over a "drastic" downturn under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a sharp rebuttal from New Delhi.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends but does not set policy, and there is virtually no chance the State Department will follow its lead on India, an increasingly close US ally.
In an annual report, the bipartisan panel narrowly agreed that India should join the ranks of "countries of particular concern" that would be subject to sanctions if they do not improve their records.
"In 2019, religious freedom conditions in India experienced a drastic turn downward, with religious minorities under increasing assault," the report said.
It called on the United States to impose punitive measures, including visa bans, on Indian officials believed responsible and grant funding to civil society groups that monitor hate speech.
The commission said that Modi's Hindu nationalist government, which won a convincing election victory last year, "allowed violence against minorities and their houses of worship to continue with impunity, and also engaged in and tolerated hate speech and incitement to violence."
It pointed to comments by Home Minister Amit Shah, who notoriously referred to mostly Muslim migrants as "termites," and to a citizenship law that has triggered nationwide protests.
It also highlighted the revocation of the autonomy of Kashmir, which was India's only Muslim-majority state, and allegations that Delhi police turned a blind eye to mobs who attacked Muslim neighborhoods in February this year.
Coronavirus state-wise India update: Total number of confirmed cases, deaths on April 29
The Indian government, long irritated by the commission's comments, quickly rejected the report.
"Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels," foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said.
"We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly," he said in a statement.
The State Department designates nine "countries of particular concern" on religious freedom -- China, Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
The commission asked that all nine countries remain on the list. In addition to India, it sought the inclusion of four more -- Nigeria, Russia, Syria and Vietnam.
Pakistan, India's historic rival, was added by the State Department in 2018 after years of appeals by the commission.
In its latest report, the commission said that Pakistan "continued to trend negatively," voicing alarm at forced conversions of Hindus and other minorities, abuse of blasphemy prosecutions and a ban on the Ahmadi sect calling itself Muslim.
India's citizenship law fast-tracks naturalization for minorities from neighbouring countries -- but not if they are Muslim.
Modi's government says it is not targeting Muslims but rather providing refuge to persecuted people and should be commended.
But critics consider it a watershed move by Modi to define the world's largest democracy as a Hindu nation and chip away at independent India's founding principle of secularism.
Tony Perkins, the commission's chair, called the law a "tipping point" and voiced concern about a registry in the northeastern state of Assam, under which 1.9 million people failed to produce documentation to prove that they were Indian citizens before 1971 when mostly Muslim migrants flowed in during Bangladesh's bloody war of independence.
"The intentions of the national leaders are to bring this about throughout the entire country," Perkins told an online news conference.
"You could potentially have 100 million people, mostly Muslims, left stateless because of their religion. That would be, obviously, an international issue," said Perkins, a Christian activist known for his opposition to gay rights who is close to President Donald Trump's administration.
Three of the nine commissioners dissented -- including another prominent Christian conservative, Gary Bauer, who voiced alarm about India's direction but said the ally could not be likened to non-democracies such as China.
"I am deeply concerned that this public denunciation risks exactly the opposite outcome than the one we all desire," Bauer said.
Trump, who called for a ban on Muslim immigration to the US when he ran for president, hailed Modi on a February visit to New Delhi.
The SKSM had in fact panned to host Dr Zakir Naik's event at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on December 27 last year and then postponed it to January 2 this year.
Comments
Any single word Allah spoke to Muhammad in the quran. It is from limited angel. Angel is not almighty. God is Almighty. Allah is limited to time, race and place- appeared in the 14th century. His head quarter's is in Mecca. Zakir Naik has not circumcised because it is not mentioned in the Quran.
See how the Sanghis are scared to life coz of this one Daa'ee of Islam.
These cowards can't even challenge this man of intellect with their knowledge, with all their religious scholars.\
It is like - \"When you fear Allah more than anything else, Everything else fears you.\""
DEAR Bro HANEEF
Millions have been REVERTED on his stage... & when they do, They all are asked to repeat the Shahada by Zakir naik . He ask them to repeat \ There is no God but ALLAH and Muhammad is the messenger and slave of ALLAH. This itself proves your claim FALSE of he is not following Prophet of ALLAH.
Please brother there are many videos twisted by the haters, Dont rely your SOURCE from that... He is calling people to Worship ONE GOD and follow prophet Muhammad pbuh... according to QURAN and Sunnah... There are many biddat happening around us in the name of ISLAM which we dont see during prophet or the times of Sahaba when U dig & study deep about the Seerah and life of Sahabas.
I request U to learn the SEERAH and the stories of sahabas along with the QURAN to understand better what is ISLAM"
Dear AK & Noor and all truth seekers. Zakir Naik also claims, Allah cannot create tall man short and many other nonsense which does not make sense to a common man. but that is not the point. how a so called scholar make such statement which we understand as statement of kufr. secondly, he also says there is some point % of hope who does not believe in prophet Muhammad sallallahu alahiwasallam but only believes in Allah that he may enter paradise.
Common brothers if you have sense isn't these are basic belief of islam and from parts of shahada? and one does not become a believer until he believe our prophet Muhammad sallallahu alahiwasallam. a small child will reject him.
his problem is that he is victim of fame and cannot accept the advice when given. he does not like criticism for his mistakes. your problem is that your reach is only to the speaker like him not beyond.
open your mind and heart. learn the Deen from those who are capable of. May Allah give us tawfeeq to be upon haqq.
Dear “Truth”
Allah cannot do ungodly things. You cannot imagine him to become creation which you look around. Suppose you are manufacturer of Nail and we want you to become nail, can you? Similarly Allah can do everything but you cannot expect him to do ungodly thing.
Dear Noor and AK,
kindly read end of the ayat quran 2:148. :\Allah is able to do all the things\", Zakir lied, Allah said in quran he is is able to all the things\", he used his logic to explain Quran instead of quran and sunnah and understand of Salaf. for your information one more mistake in his aqeeda he tells that if some one does not believe in prophet Mohammed and he does not associate partner in Allah than there is a chance of entering him jannah .00001 chance. Brothers you call me as tiger, cat, no problem, but accept the truth when it reaches you."
Dear so called Truth,
Just listen clearly what Zakir naik says. He says ALLAH has power over all things.... and he takes this from QURAN.
He says NO where in the Quran mentioned that God can do everything.he gives example....Can god make mistake ....
NO never...He is Perfect and cannot make mistake is one such example. which is not going your throat... Think Yaar
Dont depend on Islamhaters BLOG and just rely on your GROUP teachings which is destroying our UMMAH. RELY on QURAN and HADEES
Dear Noor,
I know you people are not ready to accept the truth, dint He claim 1000 things Allah can not do?? first tell him to rectify his basic belief than to teach others.
Dear so called TRUTH / Tiger Sunni
A person who reminds YOU to FEAR ALLAH is your true companion worth more than ANYTHING and EVERYTHING this world can possibly offer...
Zakir naik is asking people to come close to ALLAH with Evidence and LoGIC using QURAN and Sunnah... He asks to depend on ALLAH and follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad pbuh...
When U rely on the same old cultural rites which came after prophet Muhammad pbuh. it will take time for YOU to accept to RELY ONLY on ALLAH...
Shaitan deceives many. Our cultural ritual, if we research its core base i think is from the Shia group where they depend on imams and auliyas while asking along with ALLAH. (Allah knows best)
I request YOU to depend on ALLAH ALONE if anything happens in YOUR LIFE with Patience (Dont panic, Ask with ALLAH Gradually when YOU ask ALLAH with TRUST ... He shows YOU the Sign. Surely those who rely on ALLAH alone are Successful.
before U comment just VERIFY and RESEARCH what Zakir Says. Dont be a SLAVE of your EGO.
Dear Zakir Naik Fans,
You are all very much stressing to Non muslim to accept the truth, will you accept the same advise which your giving to others, kindly note that Mr.Zakir Naik claims that he can list 1000 things which Allah can not do, you can refer youtube for above said video, and he has other major issue in his basic belief of islam, first let him rectify his belief before teaching others. yes i am bit harsh in this advise because even after continues advise from many brothers he is not ready to accept his mistake.
Dr. Zakir Naik had delivered speech in Bangalore few years back even which was debate with sri sri Ravishanker it has ended peacefully. For mangalore he is coming for addressing to his own religion followers then congress government why not allowing to mangalore, this is what backstabbing congress, now time has come to choose AAP
keep all negotiable leaders in a side it will be just a blaming game, silent people are killers of Democracy.
RSS is scared of getting exposed by Dr Zakir Naik
Distribute Dr. Zakir Naik CD's/Mobiles to every Mangalorean House/ street. Lets see how they can stop him from delivering the true message of The Creator.
people of coastal karnataka why afraid of zakir naik whether they r hindu or muslim, you have right to except his message or reject simple. he can't force any one. thats all
By ALLAH's will Surely HE WILL COME In-SHA ALLAH.
What does Zakir naik say:
He says There is no God But ALLAH & Muhammad pbuh is the final messenger of ALLAH
He says Dont WORSHIP other things except ALLAH
He says to use LOGIC & Scientific ways to accept WHAT He SAYS.
He says DONT FOLLOW BLINDLY.
He says STUDY, RESEARCH and VERIFY on what QURAN & PROPHET MUHAMMAD pbuh says.
He says the ONENESS of GOD is mentioned in OTHER SCRIPTURES TOO>
He Says HINDU scriptures also Mentions that those who WORSHIP demigods will end up in DARKNESS -- Please VERIFY and PONDER Y it is also said in HINDU Scriptures...
ZAKIR naik is SAVING people from falling into DARKNESS which many non muslims are already SWIMMING in darkness without the knowledge of who is the CREATOR of all that exist...
Worship the CREATOR and not his CREATION. Accept Zakir naik and LISTEN what HE SAYS and then VERIFY what he Says & then DO your research what he says ....
Dont be the like the people who just want to live like animals (cos it doesnt have thinking power like humans ) Please use this God given intellect and VERIFY what he Says.
Violent & evil groups will surely stop you from reaching the TRUTH. YOUR CHOICE to check the TRUTH atleast once in your lifetime.
The state ruled govt has yet again surrendered to the Hindutva group. A man who wants to spread peace is not allowed while the hate mongers of BJP and RSS are welcomed with protection. Living under atrocity is the fate of Indians. No wonder why 4000 millionaires have shifted overseas in 2015 for peace & better standard of living. @times of india published on 30th march 2016.
Thanks to congress chaddi government for cheating us, we know how to teach you in coming elections. You have broken the trust,, remember we have an internal political party \SDPI\" in our community. We all fans of Dr.Zakir Naik will surely bring you down."
Dear Brothers,
Alhamdulilha very happy to know that, Zakir Naik has serious error in his basic belief of Islam. he is the one who claims Allah can not do 1000 things, even after continuous advise he is not ready to apologize or to change his belief.
Its clear that Hindutva Group is more powerful than the ruling party.
@ Sister Pramila Mangalore..
You better ask Your Sri Sri Ravi Shanker about DR.ZAKIR NAIK.He will explain you.Because he has very Good Experience about ZAKIR NAIK..
So called Communal people afraid of Dr.Zakir Naik.So they are not al
This is the lesson for muslims those who have the congress party like their family, its never congress only playing game with muslims, muslims must know this
Support BJP they will allow you to bring Zakir Naik. Congress do nothing. BAWA, RAI, UTK will loose their seat in next election.
This is the old Congress tactic. To ban known Muslim hater Perveen Togadia, they also need to ban Zakir Naik. When will Congress learn to take a stand? It is this Congress hypocrisy that is the reason for the part's defeat Lok Sabha polls
all the saffron should be banned not only zakir naik.
There is no truth here . There is no truth from his speeches. Mohan Bhagawat, praveen togadia speech will give no harm to the Society. But his speech possibility is there.
His type of truth cant run for long time. dont allow him to india
ask him to sit home and use youtube to show power of truth....
Those who don't have guts to ask question directly don't want him to come
The Quran: Quran (2:191-193) - \And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah [disbelief or unrest] is worse than killing... but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah [disbelief and worshiping of others along with Allah] and worship is for Allah alone. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zalimun (the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.)\" (Translation is from the Noble Quran) The verse prior to this (190) refers to \"fighting for the cause of Allah those who fight you\" leading some to believe that the entire passage refers to a defensive war in which Muslims are defending their homes and families. The historical context of this passage is not defensive warfare, however, since Muhammad and his Muslims had just relocated to Medina and were not under attack by their Mecca adversaries. In fact, the verses urge offensive warfare,"
Why are u Afraid? because he is speaking what is in the Books...... you will never agree whats in your Books , we know if you agree whats in your Sacred Books . then there will No need of any Organization to protect Cows and Buffaloes . As in Manipur RSS cadres eat beef.
Useless creatures
The reason behind this is Saffron goons knows that if zakir naik give speech then people will come to know about the true religion. Some people may accept the true religion islam. So these Goons are afraid of zakir naik. These goons never know what their books say about God.
Instead of this drama if you guys have guts then attend the function and question zakir naik.
Let them do what they want. More curiosity among Hindus if these mongers create more troubles on his visit. plenty of debates, speeches are available online, sure millions hits in Zakir's videos if they succeed in stopping Zakir. This is biggest trouble for Sanghis.
Let them create more publicity and it creates more curiosity.
ZAKIR NAIK ZAKIR NAIK WHO IS ZAKIR NAIK?????
ZAKIR NAIK BAGGED MANY AWARDS IN THE NAME OF PEACE, WHAT TOGADIA HAS? Allow him to mangalore, put out togadia from india
u Hindus should be thankful to zakir, he is helping u guys and saving u from hell fire. u guys r very cheap, the one who help u, u guys kick them. Mangalore people should welcome zakir naik this s my humble request to all.
All great men face gag order at some time in their life.
good decision by GOV, we muslims dont support this wahabia person, he is even against the core teachings of ISLAM and his main job is to ignite fire between people.
Why so much of fear for a simple preacher? he is not fire brand controversial speaker like Mohan Bhagawat, Praveen togadia... Its shows the power of Truth... cant run for a long time..
Dr Zakir is a great personality. Govt should allow him to enter Karnataka.
Shame on congress leaders.
If it continues like this, Cheddiyurappa will become next CM.
I have seen most of his videos and find nothing that is inflammatory, in fact in one of his videos he was professing of similarities between different religions and advocating that one should be keen to have zeal to learn comparative religion. In his opinion it would remove misconceptions and encourage people to know about theirs and others faith better. better not to give him permission to enter peaceful mangalore,
The emerge of communal forces is a curse for Mangaluru
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