Foreign Ministry distances itself from objectionable comments, as OIC, Qatar, Kuwait and Pakistan strongly condemn
Foreign Ministry distances itself from objectionable comments, as OIC, Qatar, Kuwait and Pakistan strongly condemn
On Sunday, the government had to face rising Diplomatic storm over comments of suspended BJP leadersBecause the countries of the Gulf region summoned ambassadors and conveyed their concerns Rising “extremism and hatred” comments indicated. Qatar and Kuwait summoned India’s ambassadors to Doha and Kuwait City, respectively, and demanded a “public apology” from New Delhi for the comments that were deemed “Islamophobic”.
Several other Arab countries are understood to have informally conveyed their concerns over the comments to India. The controversy started when Vice President Venkaiah Naidu began his visit to Doha as part of a three-nation tour. Meanwhile, the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also issued a “strong condemnation” of “abuse by an official of India’s ruling party (BJP), linking the comments to previous decisions to ban the hijab. Violence against minorities, and destruction of their property in some Indian states.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called the comments “hurtful”, and accused the Modi government of “trampling”. [on] Religious freedom and persecution of Muslims.”
While the Indian embassies in Doha and Kuwait later issued statements clarifying that the comments “do not reflect the views of the Government of India”, and called those posting the offensive tweets “fringe elements”, the Qatari and Kuwaiti governments have publicly Demanded an apology from the government.
“Given that the State of Qatar expects a public apology from the Government of India and an immediate condemnation of these remarks, pointing out that allowing such Islamophobic remarks to continue without punishment is a safeguard for the protection of human rights.” There is a grave danger and could lead to further prejudice and marginalization, which will create a cycle of violence and hatred,” Qatar’s foreign ministry said.
Qatar’s assistant foreign minister and spokesman Lolwah Alkhater took to Twitter to comment strongly, writing that “Islamophobic discourse has reached alarming levels in a country long known for its diversity and coexistence”, indicating India . He added that unless the Indian government “officially and systematically” tackles hate speech, it will be considered a “deliberate insult” against two billion Muslims worldwide.
An official dinner in honor of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to be hosted by Qatar’s Deputy Emir Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was also canceled on Sunday evening, sources confirmed, apparently because he had come in contact with a person. was suspected. had tested positive for coronavirus. When asked, MEA officials said the cancellation was not linked to Qatar’s protest over the objectionable comments and pointed out that Mr Naidu was earlier informed of the cancellation and that the rest of the Vice President’s visit was proceeding as scheduled and It has not been cut. ,
In its response, the Indian embassy issued a statement, hours after which Ambassador Deepak Mittal was called to the Ministry of External Affairs and gave a demarche.
“In line with the heritage of our civilization and the strong cultural traditions of unity in diversity, the Government of India accords the highest regard to all religions,” the statement said, adding that “stern action has already been taken against those making derogatory remarks.” Is.” Quoting a statement issued by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, “emphasizing on the respect for all religions, by the concerned quarters, a statement has been issued emphasizing on insulting any religious personality or insulting any religion or sect.” ” A similar statement was issued after the Indian Embassy in Kuwait summoned Ambassador Sibi George.
talking to Hindu, commentators indicated that the official protest by Arab countries, which came more than a week after original comments by a BJP spokesperson on the Times Now news channel, was accompanied by calls for a boycott, as well as growing displeasure expressed on social media. happened after. of Indian made products. “We know in Saudi Arabia that most Hindus in India do not subscribe to such extreme views and I have many Hindu friends. Still, we wonder why some people are making provocative statements as it will not help us at all,” said the former editor of arab news And Saudi Gazette Khalid Almayna.