by Muslim Mirror Staff
Ahead of Narendra Modi’s state visit to the White House, two human rights organizations in Washington have organized a screening of a BBC documentary on the Indian Prime Minister. The documentary critically examines Modi’s leadership during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The event has invited policymakers, journalists, and analysts to participate and engage in discussions surrounding Modi’s role during the riots.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have arranged a private screening of the BBC documentary on Narendra Modi, which has been scheduled for June 20. The screening is set to take place just two days before Modi’s official state visit to the United States, hosted by President Joe Biden. The intention behind organizing this event, as stated by Human Rights Watch, is to bring attention to the fact that the documentary has faced a ban in India.
The documentary titled “India: The Modi Question” is a two-part series that specifically explores Narendra Modi’s leadership during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The riots, which took place in the western state of Gujarat, resulted in the deaths of at least 1,000 people, with the majority being Muslims. However, activists contend that the actual death toll was more than twice that figure.
Despite accusations against him, Narendra Modi has consistently denied allegations that he did not take sufficient action to quell the 2002 Gujarat riots. A Supreme Court-ordered investigation found no evidence to prosecute him in connection with the riots.
The Indian government responded strongly to the release of the documentary in January, labeling it a biased “propaganda piece” and blocking the sharing of any clips from it on social media.
When questioned about human rights concerns in India, the White House defended Modi’s planned state visit, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the United States and India. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden believes in the significance of this relationship while also acknowledging human rights issues.
Various advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in India, particularly regarding the treatment of minorities, dissidents, and journalists, under the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Modi. The Indian government, however, denies these allegations and asserts its commitment to the upliftment of all groups.
In February, tax officials inspected the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai, and in April, the financial crime agency initiated an investigation into the broadcaster regarding alleged violations of foreign exchange rules. A government adviser clarified that the inspection was not motivated by vindictiveness.
The BBC has stood by its reporting for the documentary, reiterating that it does not have an agenda. It was not broadcasted in India.
Meanwhile, a coalition of 17 civil rights organizations has released an open letter urging President Joe Biden to reconsider his decision to extend a state dinner invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “due to the steep decline of democratic values and the continuous violation of human rights against minority communities under his rule.”
In the letter, the organizations express their concerns regarding the Modi administration’s role in promoting “Hindu extremist mob violence, hate crimes, and hate speech, particularly targeting Muslims and Christians.” They also highlight the implementation of “discriminatory laws aimed at suppressing the citizenship rights of minorities, impeding religious conversions and interfaith marriages, and restricting the freedom of speech, dissent, and assembly.”
“The invitation to Modi as a state guest signals that the US supports India’s crackdown on fundamental democratic rights and emboldens the Modi administration to intensify its anti-democratic agenda,” the letter stated.
The letter was signed by a diverse range of civil rights organizations, including Indian American Muslim Council, Hindus for Human Rights, Dalit Solidarity Inc., World Without Genocide, International Defenders Council, International Society for Peace and Justice, Genocide Watch, Jubilee Campaign, Asian Children’s Education Fellowship, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Misión Vida para las Naciones, Church in the Republic of Uruguay, Global Christian Relief, American Sikh Council, Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society, International Commission for Dalit Rights.
https://twitter.com/ashoswai/status/1666859728377372672?s=20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyAyqv-bN3w