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MEA rejects U.S. report on state of religious freedom in India
Why is it in news?
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that foreign governments do not have the right to criticise India’s vibrant democracy and dedication to rule of law, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- It is in reaction to the recent U.S. State Department’s annual report on religious freedom which pointed out India’s failure to protect minority communities.
More in news
- Pompeo visit:(1) The report sets the backdrop of the visit of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.(2) The report was released by Mr. Pompeo himself, and he referred to the issue of religious freedom as a “deeply personal” priority.
- 2018 Report on International Religious Freedom:(1) It referred to multiple instances of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and various State governments of the Bharatiya Janata Party having taken steps that hurt the Muslim community.(2) Apart from the murders and lynching by cow vigilante groups, the report pointed out that there were several attempts to undermine minority institutions and change the names of cities that reminded one of the pluralistic nature of India.(3) In this regard, the report highlighted the change of the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj.
- Official statement: India was proud of its “secular credentials”. “It is widely acknowledged that India is a vibrant democracy where the Constitution provides protection of religious freedom, and where democratic governance and rule of law further promote and protect the fundamental rights.”
Source
The Hindu