In a resolute move, Senator Tammy Baldwin has called upon the United States Senate to engage with India, demanding a swift cessation of the persecution and violence against religious minorities and human rights advocates. This resounding resolution also calls for the reversal of policies that discriminate against Muslims and Christians, and an end to the violence directed at peaceful civilian protesters in India.
Baldwin asserts, “I am urging the United States to persist in pressuring the Indian government to alter its course concerning the systemic religious and political persecution that poses a threat to and disenfranchises innocent civilians.”
In a statement from Senator Baldwin’s office, it is noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure has been marred by a troubling surge in violence, hate crimes, inflammatory rhetoric by political figures, and an overall deterioration of religious freedom, a hallmark of robust democracies.
Additionally, the Indian American Muslim Council highlights the significance of the United States as a key partner to India and underscores the importance of India adhering to civil and political liberties as enshrined in its own constitution. Rasheed Ahmed, the council’s executive director, commends Senator Baldwin for introducing this pivotal resolution and encourages the U.S. Senate to pass it, sending an unequivocal message to both the Biden Administration and the Indian government.
The resolution delineates various pressing concerns, with a primary focus on discriminatory practices against religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians. It references incidents of violence, including public lynchings, disruptions, desecration of places of worship, demolitions of residences and businesses, and the detention of individuals based on unsubstantiated allegations such as “Love Jihad.”
Furthermore, the resolution expresses consternation regarding the insufficient prosecution of those responsible, as highlighted in international reports on religious freedom and human rights practices. It meticulously scrutinizes legislative actions, such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), raising concerns about the CAA’s religious bias in conferring expedited citizenship to non-Muslims from neighboring countries while excluding Muslims.
