The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday hit back at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) over the ongoing controversy stemming from provocative comments about the Prophet Muhammad by two BJP spokespersons.
The OIC Secretariat had issued a statement on the controversy, linking it to the hijab row and incidents of violence against Muslims in India.
The OIC Secretariat was quoted by The Wire as saying “These abuses come in the context of the escalation of hatred and abuse of Islam in India and in the context of systematic practices against and harassment of Muslims, particularly in the light of a series of decisions to ban headscarves in educational institutions in a number of Indian states and demolitions of Muslim property, as well as increased violence against them.”
The OIC called on the UN and international community to intervene. The statement said “The Secretariat calls on the international community, particularly United Nations mechanisms and special procedures of the Human Rights Council, to take the necessary measures to address practices targeting Muslims in India.”
Responding to the OIC, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi rejected the OIC's views as “unwarranted and narrow minded”. He noted “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. 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.”
The MEA urged the OIC Secretariat to “stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all faiths and religions”.
