Shriram Temple is a blot on Indian democracy : Pakistan

• Attempt to marginalise Muslims
• Claims that many mosques in the country including Gyanvapi and Shahi Eidgah are under threat

Islamabad (Pakistan) – Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement addressing the consecration ceremony of Shriram in the Shriram Temple at Ayodhya. The statement condemns the construction and consecration of the Shriram Temple on the site of the previously demolished Babri mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya. It has been criticised that the 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. The statement also said that the rising tide of Hindutva ideology in India poses a serious threat to religious harmony and regional peace. In this way, an attempt is being made to marginalise the Indian Muslims.

The statement further states,

1. The centuries-old mosque was demolished on 6th December 1992 by a mob of extremists. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court of India acquitted the accused and allowed a temple to be built on the site of the mosque. The trial lasted for 31 years and the inauguration happened today. This is indicative of majoritarianism in India. This is an attempt to marginalise Indian Muslims socially, economically, and politically.

2. There is a growing list of mosques, including the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah mosque in Mathura, facing similar threats of destruction.

3. The Chief Ministers of two major Indian states, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, are on record as citing the Babri mosque’s demolition and inauguration of the Shriram Temple as the first step towards reclaiming parts of Pakistan. The international community should take cognisance of the growing Islamophobia and hate speech in India.

4. The United Nations and other international organisations should play their part in saving the Islamic heritage sites in India from extremist groups and ensuring the protection of the religious and cultural rights of the minorities in India. Pakistan urges the Government of India for this.

Editorial Perspectives

• Genocide of Hindus has been going on in Pakistan for the last 75 years and it will not be surprising if Hindus become extinct from Pakistan and their temples are destroyed in the next few years. In such a situation, Pakistan pointing fingers at India and acting righteous is ridiculous.
• Rather than expressing concerns about India’s democracy, Pakistan should prioritise addressing issues within its democratic system.