Baghdad/New Delhi, June 7: Iraq became the latest Islamic country to condemn the controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad made by now-expelled and suspended BJP functionaries, and summoned the Indian ambassador to hand over a protest note.
The Parliamentary Endowments and Tribes Committee on Monday summoned Indian Ambassador Prashant Pise. “To protest against statements that are offensive to the Holy Prophet”.
The committee said in a statement that it. “Expresses strong condemnation to the inaccuracies of the spokeswoman for the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indian ruling party. As it contained an insult to the Holy Messenger Muhammad, his family, a few days ago.”
The statement noted that “these abuses, malicious and disgraceful acts will have serious repercussions and, if not contained, may lead to dire consequences that will have unimaginable consequences for the peaceful coexistence, as well as increase strife and tensions between peoples.”
“The religion of Islam is a religion of peace and… any insult and abuse directed at any prophet, religion or belief is rejected. And condemned by all man-made laws and United Nations regulations. The Iraqi government takes its role in confronting such behaviors and summons the Indian ambassador and delivers a protest note to him in rejection of this abuse and the need to respect beliefs and religions in addition to hold accountable those who committed these perverted acts to be a lesson for those who try to harm religious symbols,” the statement said.
In response to the statement issued by the Parliamentary Committee on Awqaf and Tribals of Iraq on an offensive tweet in India, the Spokesperson of the Indian Embassy in Iraq said:
“The Embassy of India in Baghdad has noted a statement. Issued by the Parliamentary Committee on Awqaf and Tribals. In which concerns were raised with regard to some offensive tweets by individuals in India denigrating the religious personality.
“This is to clarify that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India.
“In line with our civilizational heritage and strong cultural traditions of unity in diversity. Government of India accords the highest respect of all religions.
“Strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks.
“A statement has also been issued by concerned quarters. Emphasizing respect for all religions. Denouncing insult to any religious personality or demeaning any religion or sect.
“Vested interests that are against India-Iraq relations have been inciting the people using these derogatory comments.
“We should work together against such mischievous elements. Who aim to undercut the strength of our bilateral ties”. The Indian response said.
The Iraqi response comes as several Islamic nations have condemned the controversial statements about Prophet Muhammad made by now-expelled BJP functionary Naveen Jindal and suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Libya, Bahrain and closer home. Indonesia, Maldives and the Taliban regime in Kabul, have all issued statements.
On Sunday, Qatar, Kuwait and Iran had summoned the respective Indian envoys in their state capitals to convey their condemnation. Pakistan, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, have also issued statements condemning the remarks
