Media Contact:
Olivia Cantu
info@reclaimindiademocracy.org
Husnaa Vohra
773-357-5177
WASHINGTON DC: On Thursday, June 22, the Coalition for Reclaiming Indian Democracy, a coalition of civil rights and interfaith organizations representing Indian-American Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and allies, will lead a protest in opposition to President Joe Biden and Congressional leaders decision to legitimize Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a state dinner and a joint Congressional address.
The protest will peacefully demonstrate our collective opposition to Modi’s warm U.S. reception and highlight concerns over his troubling track record on human rights, religious freedom, democratic backsliding, and his crackdown on civil society, critics, and the press.
We invite members of the media to cover the protest and capture the spirit of solidarity against human rights abuses and the erosion of democratic values.
What: Protest against President Biden’s platforming of Modi and Save India from Hindu Supremacy
When: June 22, 2023, from 2 PM to 5 PM
Where: Black Lives Matter Plaza; 16th and H Street NW, Washington, D.C
Who: Coalition for Reclaiming Indian Democracy (www.reclaimindiademocracy.org)
Background
Prime Minister Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) support Hindutva or Hindu nationalism, an ideology that seeks to establish India as a Hindu majoritarian state where religious minorities, especially the 250 million Muslims and Christians, are treated as second-class citizens.
Modi’s tenure has been marred by human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and persecution of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians.
International organizations such as the United Nations, the US Department of State, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Genocide Watch have all raised serious concerns about the ongoing persecution of religious minorities and the assault on democratic institutions.
The decision to provide Modi a platform during his visit raises significant concerns about endorsing leaders with questionable records on democratic values and inclusivity.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact info@reclaimindiademocracy.org