The United States State Department’s annual human rights assessment report for 2023 has brought to light significant human rights violations in India. The report specifically highlights the northeastern state of Manipur, where over 60,000 individuals were displaced between May and November of last year. The report further asserts that the rest of the country witnessed multiple instances of government and its allies allegedly pressuring or harassing media outlets critical of the administration. In Manipur, the majority and the Kuki-Zo tribes have been involved in violent clashes since a court ruling a year ago that suggested extending Kuki minority privileges to the Meitei. This conflict has led to the unfortunate loss of over 200 lives.
The report also cites the Income Tax Department’s searches at BBC offices in 2023, following the release of a documentary by the organization that was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Government of India maintains that the search was not retaliatory. The report also sheds light on the persecution faced by religious minorities in India, including calls for violence and the dissemination of false information. This has led to India’s ranking falling to 161 out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 report on press freedom. Human rights organizations have alleged a worsening situation under PM Modi’s leadership, citing an increase in hate speech, the revocation of special status for Kashmir, the implementation of a citizenship law deemed discriminatory by the United Nations, and the demolition of Muslim properties in the name of removing illegal structures. Despite addressing these ongoing concerns, political observers suggest that Washington is exercising caution in its public criticism of New Delhi, believing that India serves as a significant counterbalance to China’s growing military power.
