ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday condemned the construction and consecration of the ‘Ram Temple’ on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, India.
The centuries-old mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a mob of extremists. Deplorably, India’s superior judiciary not only acquitted the criminals responsible for this condemnable act but also allowed the construction of a temple on the site of the demolished mosque.
The developments of the last thirty-one years, leading to today’s consecration ceremony, are indicative of growing majoritarianism in India. These constitute an important facet of the ongoing efforts for the political, social, and economic marginalization of Indian Muslims.
A temple built on the site of a demolished mosque will remain a blot on the face of India’s democracy for the times to come. Notably, there is a growing list of mosques, including the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura and the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, facing a similar threat of desecration and destruction, Foreign Ministery said in a statement.
The rising tide of ‘Hindutva’ ideology in the country poses a serious threat to religious harmony and regional peace. The Chief Ministers of two major Indian states, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, are on record as citing the Babri Mosque’s demolition or inauguration of the ‘Ram Temple’ as the first step towards reclaiming parts of Pakistan, the statement said.
Pakistan Urges International Community to Take Cognizance of Islamophobia
It further said that the global community should take cognizance of the growing hate speech, Islamophobia, and hate crimes in India. The UN and other relevant international organizations should play their part in saving the Islamic heritage sites in India from extremist groups and ensuring the protection of the cultural and religious rights of minorities in the country.
Pakistan urges the Government of India to ensure the security and safety of religious minorities, including Muslims and their holy places.
