‘Inaccurate, misleading’: India says US panel’s comments aimed at politicising Delhi riots

New Delhi: Rejecting the statement issued by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on the communal riots in Delhi, India Thursday accused the American body of politicising the issue.

“We have seen comments made by USCIRF, sections of the (US) media and a few (American) individuals regarding recent incidents of violence in Delhi. These are factually inaccurate and misleading, and appear to be aimed at politicising the issue,” said Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

Kumar also said Indian law enforcement agencies are working on the ground “to prevent violence and ensure restoration of confidence and normalcy”.

“Senior representatives of the government have been involved in that process,” Kumar added. “The Prime Minister has publicly appealed for peace and brotherhood. We would urge that irresponsible comments are not made at this sensitive time.”

On Wednesday the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed “grave concern” on the communal riots taking place in the north-eastern part of the national capital.

Violence broke out in certain areas of the north-eastern Delhi Sunday just as the US President Donald Trump landed in Ahmedabad. It peaked the following day when the American President was touring Delhi. So far more than 30 people have lost their lives in the violent clashes that also witnessed extreme damage to public property.

“The brutal and unchecked violence growing across Delhi cannot continue. The Indian government must take swift action to ensure the safety of all of its citizens. Instead, reports are mounting that the Delhi police have not intervened in violent attacks against Muslims, and the government is failing in its duty to protect its citizens,” said USCIRF Commissioner Anurima Bhargava.

“These incidents are even more concerning in the context of efforts within India to target and potentially disenfranchise Muslims across the country, in clear violation of international human rights standards,” Bhargava added. ( Agencies)