The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the US government to consider targeted sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over alleged religious-freedom violations.
The statement comes ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s planned visit to the United States. USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills said RSS leaders should not receive high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies from the US government if concerns over religious-freedom violations remain.
USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood also criticised the RSS and alleged that groups associated with it have been involved in attacks against religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians.
The commission has previously recommended that India be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” because of alleged violations of religious freedom. India has rejected such assessments in the past and accused USCIRF of displaying bias.
USCIRF is a US federal advisory body that monitors religious freedom around the world and makes recommendations to the US government and Congress.
The latest statement is expected to add to the ongoing debate over religious freedom in India and could draw further attention ahead of Bhagwat’s US visit.