The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called on the US government to ban the RSS and avoid high-level meetings with its leaders. This comes just before RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's scheduled visit to New York.

  • USCIRF has urged the US government to impose a ban on the RSS.
  • The commission advised US officials against meeting with RSS leadership.
  • The demand coincides with Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming trip to New York on August 29.
  • India has previously dismissed USCIRF reports as biased and selective.

In a significant diplomatic escalation, officials from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have demanded that the US government impose a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Furthermore, the commission has appealed to US officials to refrain from engaging in meetings or diplomatic interactions with RSS leaders.

This development arrives on the eve of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's scheduled visit to New York on August 29 to participate in the 'Universal Oneness Celebrations.' USCIRF Chairman Asif Mehmood characterized the RSS as an 'umbrella organization' whose subgroups have allegedly targeted religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this move by USCIRF could signal a deepening rift in how religious freedom and organizational influence are perceived in US-India bilateral relations. By targeting the RSS, the commission is touching upon a core ideological pillar of the current Indian administration, potentially complicating diplomatic protocols.

The timing of this demand suggests a strategic attempt to influence the narrative surrounding Mohan Bhagwat's international engagement.

USCIRF Commissioner Jean Mills emphasized that RSS leaders, regardless of their government affiliations, should not be accorded diplomatic courtesies if they are found responsible for violations of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). Advocacy groups like 'Hindus for Human Rights' have also criticized the upcoming visit, claiming it cannot be separated from the alleged violence associated with the RSS network.

Historical Background: This is not the first time USCIRF has targeted Indian institutions. In its annual report released in March, the commission recommended sanctions against both the RSS and India's intelligence agency, RAW. The Indian government has consistently rejected these findings, labeling them as distorted and based on ideological narratives.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has previously responded by stating that instead of targeting India selectively, USCIRF should address the rising intolerance and attacks on Hindu temples within the United States. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had noted that the commission's reports often rely on suspicious sources.

Did You Know?: USCIRF is an independent US federal commission established to monitor religious freedom globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the specific demand made by USCIRF?
USCIRF has asked the US government to ban the RSS and avoid high-level meetings with its members.

2. Why is Mohan Bhagwat visiting the US?
He is scheduled to attend the 'Universal Oneness Celebration' in New York on August 29.