Tag: ReligiousFreedom

Consulate General of India in New York Reassures Indian American Community Amid Confusion Over OCI Cardholder Status

Staff ReporterCommunity, Immigration 1

The Consulate General of India in New York has addressed growing concerns and misleading reports about the status of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. On Saturday, the Consulate issued a statement aiming to clarify the situation and reassure the Indian American community. “We have come across news reports spreading false information that restrictions have been placed on OCI cardholders in the recent past. Friends in the Indian American community are hereby informed that no new change has been introduced for OCI cardholders. Provisions of the Gazette Notification dated March 4, 2021, regarding the rights of OCI cardholders, continue to remain in force,” the statement emphasized.

The Consulate’s response comes in the wake of widespread claims that the Indian government had recently reclassified OCI cardholders as “foreign nationals,” a move that was said to strip away various privileges these cardholders previously enjoyed. According to the alleged changes, OCI cardholders would now need permits to visit certain regions, making travel to India more complicated for the Indian diaspora worldwide. This development triggered concern among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), many of whom viewed the rumored restrictions as an unnecessary increase in bureaucratic hurdles that could hinder their ability to travel, conduct business, and engage in religious activities in India.

The supposed changes caused a wave of frustration within the Indian diaspora, with many voicing their disappointment over the potential impact on their long-standing connection to India. Critics have pointed out that the perceived restrictions could harm the relationship between India and its overseas citizens. OCI cardholders play a crucial role in India’s economy, especially as contributors to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and there are growing fears that any perceived shift in their status could damage trust, discourage further investments, and weaken economic ties.

Calls for legal protections for NRI investments have gained momentum in response to these concerns. Many argue that NRIs and OCI cardholders deserve clearer and more stable legal safeguards, given their significant contributions to various sectors in India, including real estate, education, and technology. If the reported restrictions were to be enforced, critics warn that it could send a negative message to overseas investors, potentially discouraging them from contributing to India’s growth.

Adding to the confusion, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also weighed in on the controversy. According to a report by CNBC-TV18, the MEA clarified that the Indian government is not introducing any new rules but is simply implementing the regulations that were notified in March 2021. The ministry reiterated that there has been no recent change to the status or rights of OCI cardholders. These rules, the ministry explained, had already been outlined in the Gazette Notification issued in March 2021, which remains the governing document for OCI cardholders’ rights and responsibilities.

Nevertheless, the reclassification of OCI cardholders as “foreigners” has continued to stir dissatisfaction among members of the OCI community. Many cardholders have expressed feelings of marginalization, arguing that the classification does not fully reflect their deep connections to India. Some have raised complaints about the bureaucratic challenges they face, pointing to increased requirements that could complicate not just travel but also other activities, such as business dealings and personal engagements in India.

For years, the OCI card has served as a vital link for members of the Indian diaspora who wish to maintain close ties to their country of origin while living abroad. By holding an OCI card, individuals are granted several privileges, including the right to visit India without a visa for most purposes, the ability to own property, and certain benefits in education and employment. However, the card does not provide the same rights as Indian citizenship, such as the ability to vote or hold public office. Despite these limitations, the OCI program has been seen as an essential means for the Indian government to engage with its vast diaspora, which has historically maintained strong connections to India’s cultural, social, and economic life.

In light of these rumors, many OCI cardholders and members of the broader Indian diaspora are seeking more detailed clarifications from the government. While the Consulate General’s statement and the Ministry of External Affairs’ response have provided some reassurance, the ongoing concern reflects broader anxieties about the potential for changing relationships between India and its overseas citizens. Many within the diaspora have expressed hope that the Indian government will continue to honor the historical ties that bind them to India, ensuring that any changes to regulations are communicated clearly and with sensitivity to the unique needs of NRIs and OCI cardholders.

Meanwhile, calls for additional legal protections and clearer policies surrounding NRI investments and rights continue to grow. Critics argue that while the Indian government has successfully attracted FDI from overseas Indians in the past, it must now ensure that future policies do not create uncertainty or undermine the trust that has been built over the years. By offering greater transparency and consistency, the government can safeguard the vital contributions that NRIs and OCI cardholders make to India’s economy and society.

The controversy over the reclassification of OCI cardholders underscores the delicate balance that the Indian government must maintain in its dealings with its global diaspora. As India seeks to boost its international influence and foster stronger ties with NRIs, it must be mindful of the complex and sometimes fragile nature of these relationships. OCI cardholders, many of whom view India as a second home, play an essential role in supporting the country’s development, both economically and culturally. Ensuring that their rights and privileges are protected, while also managing the legal and practical requirements of citizenship, will be crucial to maintaining strong ties with the Indian diaspora moving forward.

The Indian Consulate General in New York has made efforts to dispel false rumors about changes in the status of OCI cardholders, reaffirming that no new restrictions have been imposed. The Indian government’s position remains consistent with the Gazette Notification issued in March 2021. Despite these reassurances, there remains a level of concern and frustration among the diaspora, particularly in light of reports suggesting that OCI cardholders are being reclassified as foreign nationals. The situation highlights the importance of transparent communication and the need for ongoing dialogue between India and its overseas citizens, especially on matters that impact travel, business, and the overall relationship between NRIs and their homeland.

NRIs Express Concerns About Restrictions To OCI Card Holders

Staff ReporterCommunity, Immigration 89

Non-Resident Indians from across the globe expressed concerns regarding India’s regulations for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders with stricter controls on activities and reclassify them as foreign nationals, as outlined in a bulletin from India’s Home Ministry. These changes impact travel, business, religious activities, and more for the Indian diaspora.

OCI cardholders, who were previously afforded many privileges similar to Indian citizens, must now obtain permits for various activities and travel to certain parts of India, including restricted areas like portions of Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of other northeastern states. This shift marks a significant departure from the previously relaxed regulations that allowed OCI cardholders to participate in India’s social and economic activities with relative ease.

“The OCI Cardholder (including a PIO cardholder) is a foreign national holding a passport of a foreign country and is not a citizen of India,” the Home Ministry stated. This clarification designates them as foreign nationals and redefines their legal standing in India. Previously, OCI cardholders were treated similarly to Indian citizens in many respects, but the new policies set them apart.

George Abraham, vice chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, described the situation as disappointing. “This is a setback for OCI cardholders and the Indian diaspora,” he told *India-West*. “We always felt as though we were moving towards dual citizenship, but now the government is saying it will treat us like foreigners.”

The bulletin from the Ministry stressed that OCI cardholders must receive special permission for various activities, including missionary work, journalistic endeavors, and certain religious activities, particularly those related to promoting a Muslim agenda, termed as “Tabligh.” In addition, mountaineering activities and access to restricted areas now require formal government approval.

These restricted areas include the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, and sections of Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, as well as parts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. This means that regions with significant geopolitical sensitivities or those requiring special permits for foreigners will be off-limits unless explicit permission is granted.

Additionally, the rules introduced limitations on inter-country adoptions by OCI cardholders and introduce stricter criteria for obtaining higher education in India. OCI cardholders living in India must report any changes in their residential address or occupation to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer by email.

However, the Indian government also offered some minor concessions to OCI cardholders in the bulletin. The cost of entry to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, historical sites, museums, and national monuments, as well as domestic flight fares, will now be in line with those charged to Indian citizens. Despite this, these concessions are seen by many as superficial in light of the other significant restrictions.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, expressed concerns about the impact on the business community. “The regulations are burdensome for OCI cardholders wishing to do business in India,” he told *India-West*, noting that OCI businesspeople previously enjoyed near parity with Indian citizens when conducting business. The reclassification of OCI cardholders as foreign nationals subjects them to more bureaucratic processes, including the requirement to obtain various permits and licenses, which could impede business operations.

Furthermore, the regulations add hurdles to the real estate market, a sector that has been fueled by diaspora investment. OCI cardholders, who previously could buy and sell property with relative ease, now need special permission from the Reserve Bank of India for any property transactions. Additionally, foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, are still prohibited from purchasing agricultural land, a restriction that remains unchanged.

“This sends a negative message. It is not a step forward in reclaiming the Indian diaspora to engage with India’s development,” said George Abraham, highlighting the continued prohibition on agricultural land purchases. He also pointed out the restrictions on religious freedom, especially for minority communities. “If you go to a church while visiting India, you could be accused of doing missionary activity. These are constraints on freedom of religion,” Abraham said, mentioning similar limitations imposed on Muslims.

The rules also affect journalists, raising concerns about press freedom. “If you write an article critical of India, you may never be allowed to return,” said George Abraham. This is particularly concerning given the global attention to India’s political landscape, including recent coverage of large-scale farmer protests. Many international journalists have criticized the Indian government’s handling of the protests, and Abraham noted that the new regulations may be aimed at shielding the government from external scrutiny. “It is a totalitarian move prohibiting the diaspora from expressing their views, This government is not upholding the values of the Indian constitution. It is not consistent with the democracy we are so proud of,” added Abraham.

Business leaders in the Indian American community are also expressed apprehension. The complex bureaucracy involved in obtaining permits for foreign nationals, especially for conducting business, is seen as a deterrent to diaspora engagement. Thomas Abraham highlighted regulations that require foreign nationals to divulge their research findings to the Indian government, which could lead to competitors gaining access to valuable information.

Moreover, the real estate market may face significant challenges due to the new rules. The Indian Supreme Court ruling has determined that anyone not a citizen of India must seek permission from the Reserve Bank of India for any property transactions. This ruling, combined with the new regulations, creates additional barriers for OCI cardholders. “This will create problems for India’s real estate industry,” said Thomas Abraham. “If there are hurdles here, we will just pack up and go elsewhere,” he added, suggesting that diaspora investment in India may decline.

As the regulations come into effect, the Indian government faces a growing backlash from the Indian diaspora, particularly those who have long-standing ties to their homeland. The restrictions imposed on OCI cardholders, reclassifying them as foreign nationals, may significantly impact their ability to engage with India economically, socially, and culturally. The long-term consequences of these regulations remain to be seen, but many in the Indian diaspora feel the government is moving in the wrong direction.

(The above story is an updated story from an earlier version published in 2021, about the restrictions on OCI Card Holders imposed by the Government of India. In addition, the clarifications provided by the Government of India on the above story are also being published by The Universal News Network)

Allahabad High Court Warns of Demographic Shift Due to Religious Conversions, Denies Bail to Accused

Staff ReporterIndia 0

The Allahabad High Court expressed concerns today over the ongoing trend of religious conversions during religious congregations, warning that this could lead to the majority population of the country eventually becoming a minority. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal’s bench emphasized that such gatherings where conversions take place should be stopped immediately to prevent this potential demographic shift.

“If this process is allowed to be carried out, the majority population of this country would be in minority one day, and such religious congregation should be immediately stopped where the conversion is taking place and changing religion of citizen of India,” the Court stated.

The Court also highlighted that these conversions are contrary to Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which ensures the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion but does not sanction religious conversions. “Article 25 of the Constitution of India provides for Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion, but it does not provide for conversion from one faith to another faith…The word ‘Propagation’ means to promote, but it does not mean to convert any person from his religion to another religion,” the Court clarified.

Significantly, the bench noted a worrying trend of illegal conversions, particularly targeting individuals from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other economically weaker sections, to Christianity, which is happening extensively across Uttar Pradesh. This observation was made while rejecting the bail application of Kailash, who is accused under Section 365 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 3/5(1) of the U.P. Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Kailash allegedly took villagers to a social gathering in Delhi where they were converted to Christianity.

The case against Kailash includes accusations that he promised the informant that her brother, who was mentally ill, would be treated and returned to the village within a week. Instead, he was converted to Christianity. The First Information Report (FIR) against Kailash alleges that he has converted many people to Christianity.

In his defense, the applicant’s counsel argued that the informant’s brother, Ramphal, was not converted to Christianity but merely attended a gathering focused on Christian faith and well-being. The defense also questioned the reliability of statements from various individuals recorded during the investigation at this preliminary stage and noted that Sonu Paster, who organized the gathering, had already been granted bail.

Despite these arguments, the Court, recognizing the gravity of the accusations, denied Kailash’s bail plea. The Court considered the statements of the alleged victims and witnesses recorded by the Investigating Officer, which indicated that Kailash had been involved in taking people to attend the religious congregation in New Delhi, where they were converted to Christianity.

New York United Church of Christ Condemns Religious Violence in India, Urges Sanctions and Global Solidarity

Staff ReporterDiplomacy, Religion 0

At its meeting on June 1, 2024, in Binghampton, NY, the New York Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCCNY) unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the violence against religious minorities in India, including Christians and Muslims. This marks the first such resolution by any UCC denomination, coming soon after a similar resolution by the United Methodist General Conference in April 2024.

The resolution begins by highlighting the dire situation in Manipur, where over 40,000 people have been displaced, 250 churches and 1,700 homes destroyed, and 120 people killed due to Hindu nationalist policies endorsed by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams, Conference Minister and Ecumenical Officer, emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of this suffering, stating, “We want to publicly care for Christians and not only Christians, but other religious minorities who are suffering, and look at the root causes of that suffering in the Indian subcontinent. That should matter to every congregation in New York and around the nation.”

In a show of solidarity, the UCCNY resolved to support organizations like the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), Religions for Peace USA, Ecumenical Partners in Outreach, and the United Methodist General Conference. Williams further explained, “This is a call to draw the circle wide. It is our business to care about what happens around the globe and not just close to home. We need to take God out of the box. God is doing far more than what we’re imagining.”

The resolution specifically distinguishes between mainstream Hinduism and Hindutva, the latter being a form of Hindu nationalism which it addresses. It calls for India to be designated as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) due to its systematic, ongoing, and severe violations of religious freedom, as defined by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). Additionally, it condemns the continuous violations of religious freedoms and advocates for the human rights of all religious communities in India.

Further actions outlined in the resolution include urging U.S. representatives and the Biden administration to impose targeted sanctions on Indian government agencies and officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom, including freezing their assets. The resolution also encourages UCCNY church members to contact their Congressional representatives to bring these violations to the attention of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Department of State, and the wider society.

Rev. Martha Koenig Stone, speaking on behalf of the UCC’s Commission On Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, emphasized the necessity of international pressure to effect policy changes that harm vulnerable populations in India. She stated, “It is time to apply international pressure to demand a change in policies that demonize and target vulnerable people in India because we are in relationship with them. Just as we cannot stand for continued violence against Palestinians and reject any form of violence against Jews and Muslims, we must speak alongside others who are speaking for those who are oppressed. That conviction to address unjust policies is at the heart of our Christian faith because we care for the whole planet.”

Rev. Neal Christie, Executive Director of FIACONA, praised the UCC for its stance. “The UCC has taken a courageous step in raising awareness about the harm done by Hindu nationalist ideologies and policies in the U.S. and in India. The UCC has said that religion should not be weaponized. We stand with them in holding members of the U.S. Congress and the Biden Administration accountable for their role in allowing systemic harm to people simply because of the God they worship and the communities they belong to,” Christie said.

Rev. Prabhu Sigamani of the Farmingville UCC and director for the NY Conference, commented on the broader implications of the resolution. “The prosperity of a nation is determined by the well-being of all people, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, gender, and socio-economic status,” Sigamani stated. He added, “A nation can pride itself when its weakest community members are safe and secure, thereby experiencing liberty to the fullest extent without the fear of persecution. The fundamentals of all religions teach us love and forgiveness. Now can be the time for healing. I am urging the leaders to take action to stop the violence. As our prayers are ascending for your safety and peace, we believe that the blessings of Jesus Christ will descend so that there is peace and harmony.”

This resolution from the UCCNY highlights the critical need for global attention to religious freedom violations and the necessity of concerted international efforts to support oppressed religious minorities in India. Through its solidarity with various organizations and its call for political action, the UCCNY aims to foster a more just and peaceful world, reflecting the core values of their faith.

IAMC Condemns Demolition of 600-Year-Old Mosque in Delhi

Staff ReporterCulture 0

The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has vehemently condemned the shocking and brazen demolition of Masjid Akhonji, a 600-year-old mosque in Delhi’s Mehrauli.

The demolition was carried out by officials from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), an autonomous body controlled by the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This reprehensible act, which took place without any prior notice, not only obliterated a revered place of worship but also displayed a blatant disregard for the rich cultural and religious history embedded in Masjid Akhonji.

The callousness exhibited by the DDA in the wanton destruction of a site with deep-rooted historical significance is both shocking and deplorable. The mosque, standing as a testament to over six centuries of religious and cultural heritage, was reduced to rubble, leaving the local residents, mosque-goers, and Madrasa students in a state of disbelief and anguish.

IAMC unequivocally denounces this act as a gross violation of religious freedom and an assault on the nation’s secular fabric.

“The demolition of Masjid Akhonji is not just an attack on a physical structure; it is an assault on the collective memory and identity of a community. This act, carried out under the guise of development, reeks of a sinister agenda to erase the rich Muslim heritage from the socio-cultural landscape,” IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed said.

Masjid Akhonji’s demolition directly contradicts assurances made by the DDA to the Delhi High Court, where they explicitly stated that no mosque, graveyard, or legally owned Waqf property would face demolition. This betrayal of trust and the destruction of a sacred site is part of a disturbing pattern witnessed in BJP-ruled states, where mosques, shrines, and symbols of Muslim heritage are systematically targeted and obliterated.

IAMC calls for an immediate, impartial investigation into this reprehensible act, urging accountability for those responsible. We demand that authorities take decisive action to safeguard religious sites and put an end to the alarming trend of erasure of Muslim heritage. We stand united against this blatant disregard for history, culture, and the principles of coexistence that define India.

Experts Call for Congressional Hearing on State Department’s Exclusion of Nigeria and India from Religious Freedom Violations List

Staff ReporterEditorial/Opinion 0

A coalition of international religious freedom experts is urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify before a congressional hearing regarding the exclusion of Nigeria and India from a list of nations with severe violations of religious freedom. The group, comprising more than 40 religious freedom experts and organizations, sent a letter on Wednesday, expressing concern over the omission of these countries despite alarming instances of religious violence and persecution.

The letter, initially obtained by The Daily Signal, emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the decision-making process. The experts cited significant data, stating that since 2009, over 50,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, with 18,000 churches and 2,500 Christian schools attacked. In the case of India, they reported that between May of the previous year and the present, 200 to 400 churches and 3,500 Christian homes have been targeted.

In the letter, the religious freedom advocates declared their support for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and its call for a congressional hearing into the State Department’s exclusion of Nigeria and India from the Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) list.

“Nigeria and India have been rocked by alarming instances of religious violence and persecution,” the letter states. “Pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act, both countries meet the statutory definition of ‘engaging in or tolerating particularly severe violations of religious freedom’ to be designated as CPC. They should be designated as such.”

The designation of a “Country of Particular Concern” is made by the secretary of state if a nation is found to be involved in severe violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. Under the administration of former President Donald Trump, Nigeria was designated as a CPC, but the Biden administration subsequently removed that designation, and the reasons for this decision remain unclear.

The experts stress the importance of the United States taking an active role in addressing these issues and ensuring that the principles of religious freedom are upheld globally. They call for hearings by both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to thoroughly examine the rationale behind excluding Nigeria and India from the CPC list.

“Accountability and transparency are essential to understanding the State Department’s rationale for declining to designate Nigeria and India as CPCs,” the letter continues. “We urge the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to convene hearings to thoroughly examine the reasons behind the exclusion of Nigeria and India from the CPC list. Secretary of State Antony Blinken must answer to Congress and the American people.”

Prominent signatories of the letter include McKenna Wendt from the International Christian Concern, former Representatives Frank Wolf of Virginia and Dan Burton of Indiana, Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, Lela Gilbert from the Family Research Council, and William Murray, Chairman of the Religious Freedom Coalition, among others.

Despite the request for comment, the State Department has not responded to inquiries from The Daily Signal at this time. The urgency and gravity of the situation, as highlighted by the religious freedom experts, underscore the need for a thorough examination of the decision-making process and a clear understanding of why Nigeria and India were excluded from the CPC list.

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