Violence is not just a crime against individuals; it is a direct assault on the collective soul of humanity. The 2023 Annual Report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in India sheds light on a deteriorating situation that threatens the very essence of the nation’s societal fabric. The alarming findings, from various reports, with a particular focus on the Manipur state, shed light on the following crucial points:
Promotion of Hindu Majoritarian Ideology: The reports unearth a disturbing trend wherein significant factions and agencies appear to be propagating a Hindu majoritarian ideology. This endorsement, in turn, has given rise to a series of discriminatory and, at times, violent actions against religious minorities, most notably the Muslim, Christian, and Adivasis communities. Such actions infringe upon the principles of religious freedom and tolerance enshrined in the nation’s constitution.
Erosion of Minority Rights: Recent years have witnessed an unsettling decline in religious freedom, characterized by the endorsement and enforcement of discriminatory laws and practices. This erosion of minority rights has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, resulting in increased vulnerability and marginalization. The disconcerting release of Bilkis Bano rape convicts exemplifies the discriminatory stance even in cases of violence against women, further exacerbating concerns about the state of justice and human rights in the nation.
Sr Lini Sheeja MSC
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