Religious Minorities

5% rise in minority population shows protection level for them: NCM chief

India has witnessed a five per cent increase in minority population since independence which shows the level of protection, the country has provided to such communities, National Commission for Minorities Iqbal Singh Lalpura said on Wednesday. He made the remarks at the annual conference of the state minorities commissions at the Ambedkar International Centre here. Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla said, "In order to fulfil the mandate of our Constitution of welfare of minorities, we have institutions like the Ministry of Minority Affairs and National Commission for Minorities, working day and night." "We have a crucial role in fulfilling the government's vision of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas.' As minorities, our role is to put in efforts for nation's development, that is 'Prayas'," he said. The conference was inaugurated by Barla in the presence of Lalpura, Vice Chairman of NCM KK Deboo and members Dhanyakumar Jinappa Gunde, ...

UN experts concerned over rise in abductions, conversions of girls in Pak

A group of top UN human rights experts has expressed alarm at the reported rise in abductions, forced marriages and conversions of underage girls and young women from religious minorities in Pak

Minorities Commission to meet on Jan 17 to resolve Jain shrine issue

The National Commission for Minorities has summoned the Union environment secretary and Jharkhand chief secretary after taking cognisance of representations made by Jain community

US not to put India on list of nations violating religious freedom: Report

The United States has made it clear that India will not be placed on its list of 'Countries of Particular Concern' or 'Special Watch list' this year for violations of religious freedom

SC asks Centre to check practice of forceful religious conversion

A very serious issue that threatens the freedom and security of the country and its citizens, says top court

'Bangladesh govt committed to safety and security of religious minorities'

Bangladesh Information Minister Hasan Mahmud Saturday said the Sheikh Hasina government is committed to the safety of Hindus and other religious minorities and the recent peaceful Durga Puja celebrations in that country are a testimony to it. Mahamud, who is in the city to inaugurate the Bangladesh Film Festival, spoke on Indo-Bangla relations but said it is not dependent on the Teesta water sharing agreement between the two countries. "The Sheikh Hasina government is committed to protecting the rights of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. Our country's recent peaceful Durga Puja celebration is a testimony," he told a media conference at the Press Club here. "This year the number of Durga Pujas held in our country was much higher than that of last year. There were altogether 33000 puja marquees, 700 more than in 2021, he said. "Why were so many Durga Pujas held in Bangladesh? The answer is it is safe and secure there. There was specific instructions from the top

Gyanvapi masjid case: Varanasi district court adjourns hearing till July 12

The Varanasi court on Monday adjourned till July 12 hearing in the Gyanvapi case.

Religious procession cannot be held without permission: UP CM Adityanath

With Eid festival and Akshaya Tritiya likely to fall on the same day next month and many other festivals lined up in the coming days, Adityanath said the police needs to be extra cautious

Complaints received against 18 NGOs in Andhra Pradesh, says govt

Complaints have been received against 18 FCRA-registered NGOs in Andhra Pradesh regarding their alleged indulgence in conversion to Christianity through "inducements, allurement and misrepresentation" since 2018, Union Minister Nityanand Rai said in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The minister said the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA), 2010, provides a legal mechanism to deal with violation of its provisions. He said such mechanisms include audit of accounts of such NGO, inspection of their accounts and records, and verification of their on-field activities and so on. "The FCRA certificate of such NGOs may be suspended depending upon the facts and circumstances of the case. Such violations may also lead to cancellation of the certificate," he said in written response to a question. Rai said some cases where violations of the FCRA so warrant, the matter may be investigated as provided under various sections of the FCRA. Accordingly, appropriate action has been initiated in respec

Minorities Commission received 1,670 complaints during 2019-2020

As many as 1,670 complaints were filed in the National Commission for Minorities during 2019-2020 from across the country. This was revealed in the annual report of the commission

The Muslim question

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat unwittingly highlighted the covert chauvinism in so-called polite society, and that includes the Indian corporate sector

US Democrats reintroduce legislation to prevent future Muslim bans

As many as 140 Democratic lawmakers have reintroduced a legislation in the US Congress to prevent future Muslim bans and prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion

India raises concern over desecration of Buddha statue in Pakistan

"We have conveyed our expectation that Pakistan would ensure the safety, and well-being of the minority community there, as well as protect their cultural heritage," MEA spokesperson said

SC issues notice on fresh pleas challenging constitutional validity of CAA

The top court, on December 18 last year, had decided to examine the constitutional validity of the CAA while refusing to stay its operation.

USCIRF names India among 'countries of particular concern'; MEA pans report

USCIRF alleges that in 2019, religious freedom conditions in India experienced a drastic turn downward, with religious minorities under increasing assault

India has 'significant human rights issues', says US Congress report

Independent media were active and generally expressed a wide variety of views, the report said

SC refuses to hear plea for minority status based on state-wise population

Senior advocate Vikas Singh said that the word 'minority' needs to be defined and guidelines need to be laid for their identification at the state level

Citizenship Act or NRC has nothing to do with Indian Muslims, says PM Modi

Act about giving rights to persecuted minorities from neighbours, says Modi

Donald Trump releases $50 million in stabilisation assistance for Syria

This funding will provide emergency financial assistance to Syrian human rights defenders, civil society organisations and reconciliation efforts

What makes a community, especially a religious one, educationally backward?

As a follow-up to the Sachar Committee recommendations, the MMA commissioned a study to understand the reasons for high school drop-out rates in minority-dominated areas