Washington, Dec 21 (PTI): The Hindu American community has expressed shock and outrage over a recent attempt to ban the Bhagavad Gita in Russia.

“The actions of Russian prosecutors are indefensible and represent a draconian attempt to restrict the religious freedom of Hindus in Russia,” said Mr Suhag Shukla, Managing Director of the Washington-based Hindu American Foundation (HAF).

“By promoting a narrow and intolerant agenda that demonises a sacred scripture revered by more than one billion Hindus worldwide, Russian officials are acting contrary to the principles of a free democratic society,” he said.

Members of the Hindu American Foundation have formally presented their concerns to Russian embassy officials in Washington, DC and requested a meeting to further address the situation.

“We urge the Russian judiciary and government to uphold the basic rights of their Hindu citizens,” said Mr Jay Kansara, HAF’s Washington, DC-based associate director.

“Any court ruling or law that would prohibit the Bhagavad Gita or any other Hindu religious literature would be considered a direct attack on the civil liberties of Russia’s Hindu community and an affront to Hindus throughout the world,” he said.