We condemn the ongoing construction of a Hindu temple on the site of demolished historic Babri Mosque: FO Spokesperson

ISLAMABAD, Dec 06, (SABAH): On Monday the 30th anniversary of the demolition of the historic Babri Mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya by Hindu zealots was marked. The occasion is a sad reminder of the growing anti-Muslim frenzy in India ever since.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a statement issued on Tuesday said that we condemn the ongoing construction of a Hindu temple on the site of the demolished mosque, and the acquittal of the criminals responsible for its destruction.

She said that Hindu supremacist groups in India are demanding conversion of some other mosques into temples, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. These demands might lead to more targedies like that of Babri Mosque. There is a persistent assault on the religious freedoms of the Indian Muslims.

FO spokesperson said that the ruling party in India continues to incite hysteria and hatred against Muslims.

She said that as also demanded by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) through its various pronouncements, we call upon the Government of India to ensure that the Babri Mosque is rebuilt on its original site and the criminals responsible for its destruction are awarded befitting punishment.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the international community needs to take coginzance of the growing Islamophobia, hate speech and hate crimes in India. We urge the international community, the United Nations and relevant international organizations to play their role in preserving the Islamic heritage sites in India from the extremist “Hindutva’ regime, she said.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the Indian government must ensure safety, security and protection of minorities, particularly Muslims and their places of worship.