India on Monday termed as “unfortunate” the letter written by some U.S. Congressmen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on religious freedom in the country, saying they have chosen to “focus on just a few incidents”.
External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also asserted that aberrations, if any, were dealt with by the internal processes that include independent judiciary.
“It is unfortunate that these Members of Congress while applauding India as a pluralistic society with a longstanding commitment to inclusion and tolerance have chosen to focus on just a few incidents.
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“India is proud of its status as the world’s largest democracy. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including minority communities.
Aberrations, if any, are dealt with by our internal processes which include our independent judiciary, autonomous National Human Rights Commission, vigilant media, and vibrant civil society,” he said.
Expressing serious concern over violence against religious minorities in India, 34 top American lawmakers have asked Mr. Modi to take immediate steps to protect their fundamental rights and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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“We urge your government to take immediate steps to ensure that the fundamental rights of religious minorities are protected and that the perpetrators of violence are held to account,” the lawmakers, including eight Senators, said in a letter to the Prime Minister.
“Of particular concern is the treatment of India’s Christian, Muslim and Sikh communities,” said the letter dated February 25, which was released to the press by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.
The Spokesperson also asserted that the Government is fully committed to the Constitutional principles which underpin the nation of 1.25 billion people as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.