United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Chair Asif Mahmood, who has spewed vitriol against the Hindu and Sikh community, was yet again seen targeting RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Mahmood, who earlier sought sanctions on the Hindu rights group through USCIRF, spoke to Indian news agency ANI. During his short interview, he claimed, “Groups like RSS are creating hate according to our knowledge and violating the Freedom of Religion, as well as the Fundamental Human Rights.”
#WATCH | Los Angeles | On open dialogue with RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, USCIRF (United States Commission on International Religious Freedom) Commissioner Dr Asif Mahmood says, "I would definitely be open to sit down if there is an opportunity. If arrangements can be made, we will… pic.twitter.com/HZy1BfSc0r
— ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2026
His old tweet highlights the clear hypocrisy
Mahmood’s comments on religious freedom and minority rights have also drawn attention to his past social media posts, which directly point to his hypocrisy. In an old post, he made a controversial remark about Pakistan’s creation and the place of religious minorities in the country.
“Pakistan was founded and carved off from India on the basis of Islam. It should rightly remain so and ruled by Muslim leaders. Give no breath to Sikhs and Hindus. It’s a land of Islam. Inshallah,” he had written.
This statement highlights clear hypocrisy, as someone who previously promoted excluding non-Muslim minorities in Pakistan now poses as an unbiased champion of religious freedom for minorities in India.
Pakistan-born anti-India activist appointed to USCIRF
Mahmood, a Pakistani-American activist, was appointed as a Commissioner of the USCIRF in 2024. He describes himself as an interfaith community organiser and an advocate involved in human rights campaigns in South Asia.
Since his appointment, Mahmood has repeatedly commented on matters related to India’s internal affairs, particularly issues concerning religion, minorities, Jammu and Kashmir and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Support for Khalistanis and Islamists
Mahmood has previously accused India of violating religious freedom and made claims about the government’s actions without providing evidence. He had also commented on the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar abroad and questioned India over its alleged involvement.
On the issue of madrassas in Uttar Pradesh, Mahmood claimed that the state government had banned 25,000 Islamic schools for electoral gains. However, the Allahabad High Court had declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, unconstitutional and directed the state government to make arrangements to accommodate madrassa students in the formal education system.
He also criticised the implementation of the CAA and accused the Indian government of targeting Muslims. In another post, he questioned the construction and inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and linked it to religious freedom in India.
He also tried to tarnish India’s global image
Mahmood has also repeatedly commented on Jammu and Kashmir. In one post, he accused India of “encroachment” in Kashmir and called on the US and other countries to pay attention to the issue.
He has also spoken about India’s democracy and religious minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. In one post, he wrote, “We all need to stand up to save the future and lives of a quarter billion Muslims and other Minorities in India.”
