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Former judges and officials protest against USCIRF report

New Delhi. Over 275 former judges, civil servants and former Army officers have expressed strong protest against the recent report recommending a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). These individuals termed the report of the ‘United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’ (USCIRF) as biased and described it as an example of “intellectual bankruptcy and absurd thinking”.

Question on validity of report

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the signatories said the report appeared to be motivated by a specific motive. He requested the US government to conduct rigorous background checks on all individuals included in this report. He alleges that those preparing the report have personal interests, whose aim is to tarnish the positive image of India among the people.

Criticism of recommendations

The statement also mentioned that the USCIRF recommendations, which call for freezing assets, restricting the movement of Indian citizens and imposing sanctions on individuals associated with the RSS, are completely baseless. The signatories described these recommendations as based on bias rather than facts.

Expectations from the US administration

He also said that all six commissioners of USCIRF are appointed by the US government and are funded by taxpayer money through the US Congress. In such a situation, the US administration should conduct a background check of the people associated with this report. According to him, this will help American taxpayers understand for what purposes their money is being used.

negative image issue

The joint statement also expressed concern that USCIRF has repeatedly portrayed Indian institutions and socio-cultural organizations in a negative light. The signatories said that making such comments without concrete and comprehensive evidence is an attempt to damage the image of the institutions.