The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed displeasure over former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s statement regarding Prophet Mohammad. But India bluntly replied to the OIC saying that your agenda is divisive. Many Arab countries had called Indian ambassadors and lodged a protest against Nupur Sharma’s statement, after which the BJP took action and suspended Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal from the party for 6 years until the investigation was completed.
Responding to OIC’s statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have seen the statement on India issued by the OIC Secretary General’s Office. The Government of India categorically rejects the inappropriate and narrow-minded comments of the OIC Secretariat. The Government of India gives the highest respect to all religions. The objectionable tweets and comments defaming a religious personality were made by some individuals. They do not in any way represent the views of the Government of India. Strict action has already been taken against these persons by the institutions concerned.”
In a strong response, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “It is regrettable that the OIC Secretariat has made motivated, misleading and mischievous remarks. It only exposes the divisive agenda being pursued at the behest of vested interests. We urge the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all religions.”
On the other hand, India showed a mirror to Pakistan when Pakistan lodged a protest. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying, “We call upon Pakistan to focus on the safety and welfare of its minority communities instead of spreading dangerous propaganda and trying to create communal disharmony in India.” The world has been witness to the systemic persecution of minorities including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Ahmadis by Pakistan. The Government of India gives the highest respect to all religions. This is in stark contrast to Pakistan where fundamentalists are praised and memorials are built in their honour.
Mahmood Madani welcomes action against Nupur Sharma
Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani has welcomed the action taken by the BJP against Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal. Talking to news agency ANI, he said, “BJP has done its job as a responsible political party. I expect the government to fulfill its responsibility and get them punished according to the law.