'Unwarranted and Narrow-minded': India's response to Islamic nations' group after row over BJP leaders' Prophet Mohammad remarks
Monday, 6 June 2022 (13:07 IST)
New Delhi: India on Monday accused the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of making "motivated, misleading and mischievous comments" and said New Delhi categorically rejects the "unwarranted and narrow-minded comments".
External Affairs Ministry official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: "We have seen the statement on India from the General Secretariat of OIC. The Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions.
"The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the government of India. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies," he said.
"It is regrettable that OIC Secretariat has yet again chosen to make motivated, misleading and mischievous comments. This only exposes its divisive agenda being pursued at the behest of vested interests.
"We would urge the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all faiths and religions," the spokesperson added.
The OIC had commented on BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal against Prophet Mohammad and his wife. Both were sacked from the party on Sunday.
Several countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Iran and Saudi Arabia had strongly reacted to the statements by the BJP spokespersons.
The OIC had observed that the incident had occurred against the backdrop of increasing anti-Muslim activities in India. (UNI)