http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30829

WASHINGTON (BP)--India has rebuffed a U.S. government watchdog group tasked with monitoring religious liberty abroad by denying entry visas for the group's planned visit.

A delegation from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom intended to discuss conditions with officials in India, which has seen recent outbreaks of violence against religious minorities, especially Christians. The Indian embassy in Washington did not deliver the visas necessary for the delegation's June 12 departure, however, and has not offered any official explanation for the decision.