Orissa Christians reject US report on India's secularism

Orissa Christian leaders have rejected the report of the United States Commission for International Religious Freedom for questioning India's secular credentials and putting India in its 'watch list'.

In a statement, the president of the Orissa Minority Forum has called the report as most unfortunate, and one that lacks a proper understanding of the secular character of the country.

On Thursday, an American government body had snubbed India saying it doesn't take care of its minorities. The Indian government immediately shot back, saying American opinion doesn't matter.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) placed India on its 'Watch List' for New Delhi's largely inadequate response in protecting its religious minorities.

In a statement, USCIRF said India earned the 'Watch List' designation due to the 'disturbing increase' in communal violence against religious minorities - specifically Christians in Orissa in 2008 and Muslims in Gujarat in 2002 - and the largely inadequate response from the Indian government to protect the rights of religious minorities.