Attacks on Muslims, treason cases ... US think tank downgrades India's Freedom Rankings

- "Civil liberties have been eroding in India since Narendra Modi's government came to power"

New delhi date. Thursday, March 4, 2021

The think tank based in Washington, USA has downgraded India's Freedom Score. India was earlier in the 'FREE' category in the Freedom House rankings but has now been downgraded to the 'PARTLY FREE' category.

According to the report of the organization, since the coming of Narendra Modi's government in India in 2014, civil liberties in India have been eroding. The report cites the use of treason cases, attacks on Muslims and sanctions imposed during lockdowns.

In the new report, India's score has dropped from 71 to 67. 100 is the score for the most free country. India is ranked 83rd to 88th out of 211 countries. According to the Freedom House annual report, "India has a multi-party democracy but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party government are pursuing discriminatory policies. Violence has escalated during this period and the Muslim population has fallen victim to it."

The government has reportedly stepped up pressure on human rights groups, intimidated writers and journalists, carried out extremist attacks, including lynching, and targeted Muslims.

Non-governmental organizations are reportedly harassing critics of the government. Muslims, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been marginalized economically and socially.