Congressional Letter Requests Prime Minister Address Persecution of Religious Minorities in India

2/26/2016 Washington D.C., (International Christian Concern) – International Christian Concern (ICC) is elated to report that a bipartisan and bicameral congressional letter was sent today to Prime Minister Modi of India, requesting that he strongly and specifically condemn the acts of religious persecution that have been perpetrated on religious minorities in his country and to uphold the rule of law. The letter follows extensive efforts by ICC to raise awareness of the persecution that minorities face in India with Congress and the US State Department.

The letter was signed by eight Senators and 26 congressmen of both parties[1], with the support of the Jubilee Campaign, Christian Solidarity Worldwide-UK, and 21^st Century Wilberforce Initiative.

In March of 2015, human rights groups within India released a report documenting over 600 violent attacks on religious minorities over the course of just 10 months. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 43 individuals.  Numerous reports, including ICC’s own investigations, cite a rise in the activity of radical Hindu nationalist groups, coinciding with the election of the Modi government.

Radical Hindu groups have close ties with Prime Minister Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and are believed to have been emboldened by the electoral victories of the BJP, along with Prime Minister Modi’s reluctance to acknowledge or condemn violence against religious minorities.  Modi has only spoken out twice, in the vaguest of terms, regarding persecution in his country, which the radical groups view as tacit approval of their actions.

It is ICC’s hope that this attention from the US government will encourage Modi to forcefully condemn these actions and fully enforce India’s constitution which is meant to guarantee religious freedom.

Nate Lance, ICC’s Advocacy Manager, stated, “ICC is grateful for the support and leadership that these senators, congressional members, and NGOs have shown by signing this letter.  It is our sincere hope that this action will serve as a catalyst for the Indian government to condemn and prosecute those responsible for this persistent persecution, and to fully enforce the constitutional law guaranteeing freedom of worship for the Indian people.  It is my prayer that by doing so, every Indian believer may no longer have to worship in fear.”

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You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church.  For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441.