Metro53 - Washington (Web Desk) — Dr. Asif Mahmood, Vice Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), has urged the Trump administration to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” and to condition U.S.-India trade on improvements in religious freedom.
Allegations of Religious Violations in Indian States
Dr. Mahmood highlighted multiple incidents in India, including attacks on churches, restrictions on Muslims regarding meat consumption, forced marriages of non-Hindu girls, and mob violence against individuals. He noted that 13 Indian states have enacted anti-conversion laws disproportionately affecting minorities, including Muslims and Christians.
Call for Trade Restrictions and Global Action
He emphasized that India should not only be labeled as a “Country of Particular Concern” but that U.S. trade with India should also be contingent on the protection of religious freedom and respect for individual beliefs.
Social Media Backlash from Indian Lobby
Following Dr. Mahmood’s demands, extremist Indian lobby groups became highly active on social media:
- User Rajendra Pateik tagged USCIRF and Dr. Mahmood, calling the U.S. India’s “real enemy.”
- User Proud Hindu falsely labeled Dr. Mahmood as a “jihadist.”
- User India tagged USCIRF as neo-Nazi, suggesting the focus should be on Native Americans’ religious freedom.
- User Ajay shared fabricated images and messages, claiming a Pakistani individual is lecturing India as USCIRF Vice Chair.
Dr. Mahmood’s stance urges the international community and U.S. government to take serious action on religious freedom in India, a topic currently under global scrutiny.
