US Panel Urges Revocation of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Visa Amid Concerns Over Minority Rights
A US Congress-constituted advisory body on religious freedom has urged the Trump administration to revoke Mohan Bhagwat's visa during his New York visit. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, or USCIRF, said it was 'deeply concerned' about Bhagwat's visit.
The USCIRF accused members of RSS subgroups of 'perpetrating violent attacks against religious minorities'. They also alleged that the Indian government engages in acts of transnational repression to target religious minorities beyond its borders. The advisory body has urged the US government to consider 'targeted sanctions' against those complicit in religious freedom violations, including revoking Bhagwat's visa.
The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the USCIRF's allegations as biased and lacking credibility. They stated that the organisation has its own agenda and lacks any credibility. The Indian government also pointed out that the USCIRF failed to acknowledge India's pluralistic framework and harmonious coexistence of diverse communities.