Pakistan strongly condemns violent calls by Hindutva proponents for carrying out genocide of Indian Muslims

ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (SABAH): On Monday, the Indian Charge d’ Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad and asked to convey the Government of Pakistan’s serious concerns to the Government of India over the widely reported open calls by Hindutva proponents for carrying out genocide of Indian Muslims.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, these violent hate speeches were made during the “Dharma Sansad” held at Haridwar, Uttarakhand from 17-20 December 2021. It was impressed upon the Government of India that it was highly reprehensible that the Hindu Raksha Sena’s Prabodhanand Giri and other Hindutvafigures who called for ethnic cleansing have neither expressed any regret nor the Indian government has condemned or taken any action against them so far.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that it was conveyed to the Indian side that the reported hate speeches have been viewed with grave concern by civil society and cross-section of the people of Pakistan and around the world. Regrettably, the toxic narrative against minorities, particularly Muslims and their persecution understate patronage has become a norm under the currentHindutva-driven BJP-RSS combine government in India.

He said that it was reminded to the Indian side that such incitement to violence by Hindutva figures including ruling party’s elected members also preceded the anti-Muslim riots in New Delhi in February 2020.

FO spokesperson said that the continued grave violations of human rights of minorities, especially Muslims and their places of worship, anti-Muslim legislations by the Union Government of India and several BJP-ruled states, and continued incidents of violence against Muslims on flimsy pretexts by Hindutva groups with complete impunity and often under state patronage highlight the worsening trend of Islamophobia and present a grim picture about the fate of Muslims in India.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that Pakistan calls on the international community including the United Nations, OIC and relevant human rights organizations to hold India accountable for its gross and systematic human rights violations against minorities, particularly Muslims and take immediate measures to save them from impending genocide.

He said that India is expected to investigate these hate speeches and incidents of widespread violence against minorities, particularly Muslims and their houses of worship and take measures to stop such incidents from recurring in future.

Foreign Office Spokesperson said that Pakistan also urged India to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of its minorities including protection of their religious places and way of life.