Washington: The US State Department’s latest annual human rights assessment report has underscored “significant abuses” within India, particularly spotlighting incidents in the northeastern state of Manipur and widespread harassment targeting media outlets, minorities, and dissenting voices across the nation.
According to the report, more than 60,000 individuals were displaced between May and November last year in Manipur, with the rest of the country witnessing numerous instances where the government and its associates allegedly pressured or harassed critical media outlets.
Violent clashes between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur intensified following a court ruling recommending the extension of Kuki minority privileges to the Meitei community. The resulting violence claimed the lives of over 200 individuals.
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Highlighting an example of governmental pressure on media, the report mentioned Income Tax Department searches at BBC offices in 2023 following the release of a critical documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the Indian Government denied any vindictive intent behind the searches, concerns about press freedom were raised.
The assessment also noted reports of persecution against religious minorities in India, including instances of incitement to violence and the spread of false information. Reporters Without Borders ranked India 161 out of 180 nations in its 2023 press freedom report, reflecting a concerning trend.
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Human rights organizations have criticized the situation under Prime Minister Modi, citing an increase in hate speech, the revocation of special status for Kashmir, a contentious citizenship law deemed “fundamentally discriminatory” by the United Nations, and demolitions of Muslim properties under the guise of removing illegal structures.
While the US report addresses recent developments, some political observers suggest that Washington’s public criticism of New Delhi remains cautious, possibly due to strategic considerations involving India’s role as a counterbalance to China’s assertive expansionism.
