Iran, Kuwait, Qatar summon India ambassadors over sacrilegious remarks against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
Islamic Republic of Iran, Kuwait and Qatar have summoned Indian ambassadors to condemn BJP spokeswoman's insulting remarks against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in a television debate.
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The director general of the South Asia Department at Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned the Indian envoy to convey the strong protest of the Iranian government and people over the sacrilegious comments against Prophet Muhammad, the Iranian Foreign Ministry website reported.
The Indian envoy, for his part, expressed regret, saying that any sacrilege against the Prophet of Islam is not acceptable at all.
The ambassador also clarified that the comments made by two officials of the ruling party did not reflect the position of the Indian government, which he said reveres all religions.
The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma from the party while distancing itself from her offensive remarks.
Qatari Foreign Minister has issued a statement saying that it welcomed a decision to suspend the official though it expected a public apology and condemnation of such remarks by Indian government.
Kuwaiti foreign ministry has also summoned Indian ambassador on Sunday June 5th to voice opposition with the controversial remarks by BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma against the prophet of Islam.
Sharma's comments have stirred outrage in several Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Qatar and Kuwait.
Pakistan announced in a statement that it condemns in the "strongest possible terms" the highly derogatory remarks.
"Pakistan once again calls on the international community to take immediate cognizance of the grievously aggravating situation of Islamophobia in India," it said.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the sacrilegious remarks, saying they came in a "context of intensifying hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims."
In recent remarks on a TV news debate, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s spokesperson Nupur Sharma made inflammatory comments against the Prophet of Islam, which led to widespread condemnation in the country and also triggered violent clashes in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur on Friday.
The party also expelled Naveen Kumar Jindal, who heads its Delhi media, from the party, after he allegedly posted a tweet about the Prophet but later deleted it. The BJP said Jindal's views on social media undermine communal harmony and are in violation of the party's fundamental beliefs.
In a statement earlier in the day, the BJP said, “During the thousands of years of the history of India, every religion has blossomed and flourished. The Bharatiya Janata Party respects all religions. The BJP strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities of any religion.”
