12 NEW DELHI: A group of 275 former judges, bureaucrats, diplomats and armed forces veterans has raised objections to a recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it “disturbing” and lacking balance.In a joint statement dated March 21, the signatories questioned the methodology and conclusions of the USCIRF report, arguing that assessments of religious freedom should be based on long-term demographic trends rather than “selective or episodic narratives.”Citing census data, the statement highlighted minority populations in India have remained stable or grown over decades, contrasting this with a decline in Hindu populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh since Partition. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrageOver 20 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of Hormuz StraitMissiles Fired Toward Diego Garcia: Iran tests long-range weapons; US rushes Marines and warshipsAccording to the signatories, such trends “suggest the overall ecosystem in India has not produced the kind of sustained demographic contraction…that would indicate systemic persecution.”The group criticised what it described as a recurring tendency by USCIRF to portray Indian institutions and organisations such as the RSS negatively without sufficient macro-level evidence. It said criticism must be grounded in “verifiable evidence and contextual understanding.”The statement further objected to USCIRF’s recommendations, including calls for sanctions and restrictions on individuals linked to the RSS, terming them “highly motivated” and lacking credibility.The signatories include former SC judges, high court judges, ex-chief election commissioners, former ambassadors and over 130 retired armed forces officers.Calling India a “robust democracy” with established judicial and parliamentary systems, the group urged the US govt to review the basis of the USCIRF report and also examine its contributors.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Claims Are Baseless” Says Former Envoy Sanjay Verma On Trudeau’s AllegationsRahul Gandhi Warns Of Inflation Wave Amid Rupee Fall, Slams Modi Govt Over StrategyVillage Playgrounds To Mega Stadiums: Yogi Adityanath Outlines UP Sports VisionIndia Weighs Return To Iranian Crude As US Grants Short Waiver During Oil Supply DisruptionTamil Nadu Elections 2026: Chidambaram Targets AIADMK-BJP Alliance, EPS’s Delhi Visits Trigger RowINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsHandmade Rumani Semiya & Sheer Kurma | Ramzan Tradition from ChennaiHAL Reports Tejas Mk-1A, Prachand, Dhruv Orders Worth ₹2.22 Lakh Crore To Parliamentary CommitteePM Modi Discusses West Asia Crisis, Secure Shipping Routes With Iran President123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta to Disha Vakani; a look at the Educational Qualifications of the Cast7 traditional Indian drinks that are reasonably good source of protein6 mistakes people make while kneading atta and why the rotis don’t turn out right8 things that make you a typical Delhiite8 ways to rewire your brain and enter a higher dimension5 crucial marriage lessons to learn from Justin Bieber and HaileyWhy your body twitches, tingles, or has mini spasms: Hidden causes and proven ways to calm your nervous system7 mistakes that make dal lose its protein valueFrom Kotpad Tussar to Ghicha Silk: Kangana Ranaut serves ultimate saree goals14 scientific facts you probably didn’t know123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIga SwiatekAir India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike
NEW DELHI: A group of 275 former judges, bureaucrats, diplomats and armed forces veterans has raised objections to a recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it “disturbing” and lacking balance.In a joint statement dated March 21, the signatories questioned the methodology and conclusions of the USCIRF report, arguing that assessments of religious freedom should be based on long-term demographic trends rather than “selective or episodic narratives.”Citing census data, the statement highlighted minority populations in India have remained stable or grown over decades, contrasting this with a decline in Hindu populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh since Partition. According to the signatories, such trends “suggest the overall ecosystem in India has not produced the kind of sustained demographic contraction…that would indicate systemic persecution.”The group criticised what it described as a recurring tendency by USCIRF to portray Indian institutions and organisations such as the RSS negatively without sufficient macro-level evidence. It said criticism must be grounded in “verifiable evidence and contextual understanding.”The statement further objected to USCIRF’s recommendations, including calls for sanctions and restrictions on individuals linked to the RSS, terming them “highly motivated” and lacking credibility.The signatories include former SC judges, high court judges, ex-chief election commissioners, former ambassadors and over 130 retired armed forces officers.Calling India a “robust democracy” with established judicial and parliamentary systems, the group urged the US govt to review the basis of the USCIRF report and also examine its contributors.
