RECOMMENDATION TO BAN RSS BY INTERNATIONAL COMMITION CAUSES PANIC AMONG SANGH PARIVAR
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently released a report recommending restrictions on individuals associated with the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) in the United States. This report has created significant anxiety among the RSS and the Sangh Parivar in India.
USCIRF Recommendation
The report states that RSS activities in India have contributed to severe religious violence, discrimination, and intimidation across various states. It also mentions that organizations such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), which are considered affiliates of RSS internationally, are active globally. These groups are accused of financially supporting RSS activities both in India and abroad. In this context, USCIRF has recommended restricting RSS-linked activities in the United States.
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Dueto this, RSShastakenseveralcountermeasures. Around 275 individuals, including 25 former judges, 119 retired officials, and 131 former military officers, signed a statement condemning the report. They claim the report is biased and could harm US-India relations.
What is USCIRF?
USCIRF is an independent U.S. government body formed in 1998 under the International Religious Freedom Act. It includes representatives from both major U.S. political parties. Every year, it publishes a report and makes policy recommendations to the U.S. President, State Department, and Congress regarding global religious freedom.
Countries with severe and systematic violations are categorized as: Countries of Particular Concern (CPC). Special Watch List.
India has already been included in previous CPC recommendations.
Findings About India
The 2025 report states that religious freedom in India has continued to deteriorate.
Key observations include: Laws at national and state levels allegedly target religious minorities. Increase in attacks against minorities by Hindu nationalist groups. Christians and Muslims face violence with little fear of punishment.
Examples cited: Violence in Maharashtra following demands to remove Mughal ruler Aurangzeb’s tomb. Attack on 20 Christian families in Odisha for refusing conversion. Rising anti-Muslim sentiment after a terror attack in Pahalgam. Killing of a Muslim restaurant worker in Uttar Pradesh by alleged nationalist group members. Deportation and mistreatment of Rohingya refugees. Deportation of Bengali-speaking Muslims from Assam.
Laws Highlighted
The report mentions: Amendments to Waqf laws allowing non-Muslims in Waqf boards. Dissolution of madrasa boards in Uttarakhand. Increased government control over minority educational institutions.
Recommendation to Sanction RSS
USCIRF has made strong allegations against: India’s intelligence agency (RAW) and RSS. It recommends: Sanctions against RSS and associated individuals. Freezing assets. Travel bans to the U.S. It also suggests linking U.S. security assistance and trade with improvements in religious freedom and even restricting arms sales to India.
Suppression of Dissent
The report claims: Minority voices are being suppressed. Properties demolished. Cases filed under anti-terror laws. NGOs targeted under foreign funding regulations
Previous Reports
Earlier reports (2023 and 2024) also noted: Decline in religious freedom. Laws affecting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, and tribal communities. Concerns over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Potential risks from a nationwide NRC (citizen register). It also accused Prime Minister Modi of making anti-minority remarks.
Political Reaction
The report has shaken the Sangh Parivar because it directly recommends action against RSS. Although USCIRF recommendations are not binding, continued criticism could create pressure internationally.
The Indian National Congress welcomed the report, stating: RSS is harmful to national unity. It was previously banned after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. It should be banned again.
