The controversy that arose over the objectionable remarks of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma against Prophet Mohammad has reached 14 countries. Recently, the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan has also given a lecture on radicalization to India on Nupur Sharma’s remarks.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the former BJP spokesperson’s remarks, saying, “We urge the Indian government not to allow such fundamentalists to insult the holy religion of Islam and incite the sentiments of Muslims.” Mujahid further said, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly opposes the use of derogatory words against the Prophet of Islam by an office-bearer of the ruling party in India.”
14 countries condemned: Nupur Sharma’s remarks have been condemned by 14 countries so far. These include Maldives, Libya, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Jordan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bahrain. The controversy over the issue started when a clip containing controversial remarks of Nupur Sharma went viral on social media. After which it was severely criticized in the Gulf countries and Indian ambassadors were summoned by their respective foreign ministries.
Egypt said terrorist incident: Qatar, Iran and Kuwait on Sunday summoned their Indian ambassadors to register their protest over the remarks made about the Prophet. At the same time, Al Azhar, the Islamic University of Egypt’s capital Cairo, called it even a terrorist incident. “Such terrorist acts will lead the whole world to destruction and bloody conflict,” the university said in a statement.
Boycott of Indian products: As soon as this issue gained momentum on social media, there was a call to boycott Indian products in many countries. According to reports, Indian products were taken out of stores in Kuwait. The Government of India immediately took cognizance of this issue, after which the BJP took action and suspended Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal from the party for 6 years till the investigation was completed.
Nupur Sharma on Sunday apologized for her remarks after being suspended from the BJP. She said, “I take my words back. I did not intend to hurt anyone, if my words have hurt anyone’s religious sentiments, then I take back my words.