Putting India on "watch list" of religious freedom

regrettable: New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) India Thursday described as
"regrettable" the action of the US Commission on International
Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in putting the country on its
"watch-list" along with Cuba and Afghanistan due to alleged
rising communal violence.

"India, a country of 1.1 billion people, is a
multi-ethnic and multi-religious society......Abberrations, if
any, are dealt with promptly within our legal framework under
the watchful eye of an independent judiciary and a vigilant
media," India's External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu
Prakash said.

It is ""regrettable", he said while responding to a
question about USCIRF's action.

USCIRF said India earned the "watch list" designation
due to the "disturbing increase" in communal violence against
religious minorities--specifically Christians in Orissa in
2008 and Muslims in Gujarat in 2002 and the "largely
inadequate" response from the Indian government to protect the
rights of religious minorities.

"It is extremely disappointing that India, which has a
multitude of religious communities, has done so little to
protect and bring justice to its religious minorities under
siege," said Leonard Leo, USCIRF chair in Washington.

"The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of
religion and equality of opportunity to all its citizens who
live and work together in peace and harmony," Prakash aid. PTI
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