ISLAMABAD (Agencies): Pakistan has condemned the construction and consecration of the ‘Ram Temple’ on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya.
The centuries-old mosque was demolished on 6 December 1992 by a mob of extremists.
The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office has urged the international community to take cognizance of the growing Islamophobia, hate speech, and hate crimes in India and to ensure the protection of the religious and cultural rights of minorities in India.
The spokesperson also urged the Government of India to ensure the safety and security of religious minorities, including Muslims and their holy places.
The construction of a temple on the site of a demolished mosque is a matter of concern for Pakistan and would remain a blot on the face of India’s democracy for the times to come.
It is important to note that the Babri Mosque’s demolition and the construction of the Ram Temple on its site are indicative of growing majoritarianism in India and constitute an important facet of the ongoing efforts for social, economic, and political marginalization of the Indian Muslims.
The rising tide of ‘Hindutva’ ideology in India poses a serious threat to religious harmony and regional peace.
The Chief Ministers of two major Indian states, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya 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.
Pakistan’s statement is a call for the international community to take notice of the situation and to ensure that the rights of minorities are protected in India.
It is important for all countries to respect the religious and cultural rights of minorities and to promote religious harmony and tolerance.