Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has sponsored a resolution asking the U.S. Secretary of State to identify India as a country of particular concern for alleged violations of religious freedom. Thus, continuing her tirade against India.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Congresswomen Rashida Talib and Juan Vargas, therefore, calls on the Biden administration to follow the recommendations of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Furthermore, it has called for India to be designated as a country of particular concern for three years in a row.
The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Hence, been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for consideration. Given Congresswoman Omar’s vindictive approach, a resolution like this is unlikely to see the light of day. On the issue of India, she has openly supported Pakistani officials.
Ms. Omar, who visited Pakistan in April and met with top Pakistani leaders. It also included former Prime Minister Imran Khan. She also traveled to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It has yet to reveal the nature of her visit, including its funding.
India condemned the visit of the Congresswoman
India had condemned the Congresswoman’s visit to PoK. Therefore, violating the country’s sovereignty and revealed her “narrow-minded” politics.
It is entirely up to such a politician to practise her narrow-minded politics at home. However, in pursuit of it, we violate our territorial integrity and sovereignty. This visit is reprehensible according to Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry.
Ms. Omar has repeatedly demonstrated her bias against India during several Congressional hearings on the subject. A senior official from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which also slammed a senior State Department official. It broke the news about the resolution first.
Ms. Omar’s resolution condemns alleged violations of international religious freedom and human rights in India. It includes those “targeting” Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and other religious and cultural minorities. It expressed deep concern about India’s “worsening treatment” of religious minorities.
India had rejected the criticism leveled at it in the US State Department report on religious freedom. Moreover, saying it was unfortunate that “vote bank politics” was being used in international relations. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that the report’s observation on India is based on “motivated inputs and biased views.”
It is regrettable that vote bank politics is being used in international relations. We would strongly advise against making assessments based on motivated inputs and biased viewpoints.
India values religious freedom and human rights as a naturally pluralistic society. “In our discussions with the United States, we have consistently raised issues of concern. Such as racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes, and gun violence,” he mentioned.
