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India will not allow visit by US official to study religious freedom

India will not allow the visit by a US official to discuss the status of religious freedom in the country, and states that it "rejects any intrusive exercise into how we conduct our affairs".

Reacting to press reports that the US ambassador at large for religious freedom intended to visit India, an official spokesman of the external affairs ministry said the government has no plans or intention to invite such an official or to engage in discussions with any foreign government or agency on these matters.

In a strongly worded statement, the spokesman said those who concern themselves with monitoring religious freedom, would be well advised to focus their efforts on countries which remain under the pall of bigotry and intolerance, where minorities are discriminated against by law and their freedom progressively curtailed.

An internal report of the US State Department on religious freedoms in different countries, released on Thursday, had criticised the BJP and RSS for their attitude towards conversion and non-Hindus. He said the Constitution guarantees absolute religious freedom to citizens, reflecting well known social traditions of tolerance and respect for all religions. Together these elements provide a strong framework for a secular and democratic polity in a country rich in culture, lingual and ethnic diversities.

These rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and are also protected by the judiciary and effectively enforced by the executive authorities.

UNI

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