India has rejected comments by a grouping of Muslim nations as "unwarranted" and "narrow-minded" over the huge controversy linked to two spokespersons of the ruling BJP, who were sacked by the party for their remarks on Prophet Muhammad on news channels.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC, based in the Saudi city of Jeddah, had condemned remarks on Prophet Muhammad by the sacked BJP spokespersons, Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, saying it came in a "context of intensifying hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims".
In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India "categorically rejects OIC Secretariat's unwarranted and narrow-minded comments. The government of India accords the highest respect to all religions."
The OIC is an intergovernmental organisation of largely Muslim-dominated nations, whose member states include Pakistan. India has frequently condemned the OIC for commenting on the country's internal matters, such as those linked to Jammu and Kashmir. The OIC calls itself "the collective voice of the Muslim world".
"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," Mr Bagchi said today.
Ms Sharma and Mr Jindal were sacked following their comments, which the government yesterday said were "the views of fringe elements." Mr Bagchi today referred to the two as "certain individuals".
"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. We would urge the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all faiths and religions," the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Islamic Bloc Says Israel "Fully Responsible" For Hamas Chief's Death Ajmer Court Acquits 6 For Raising Offensive Slogans Against ex BJP Leader Nupur Sharma Man Arrested In Bihar For Threatening Ex BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma Extradition Process Begins To Bring Back Lawrence Bishnoi's Brother From US Video: Dubai Woman Shares Millionaire Husband's "Strict Rules" Sara Sharif's Father "Hit Her Like Crazy", Made Her Do Sit-Ups All Night "Giving Befitting Reply": Rajnath Singh On Recent Terror Attacks In J&K Trump Says 'Big Role' For Vaccine Skeptic RFK Jr In Health Care If He Wins Job Seeker's "Old-School Approach" Impresses Top Swiggy Exec. See Post Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.