Pakistan assails online 'auction' of Muslim women in India

Islamabad says hate-mongering users attacked the dignity of nearly 100 influential Muslim women by bidding on them

Pakistan has condemned online 'auction' of hundreds of Muslim women on an app' in India, which came to the fore after a journalist registered a complaint of the same with the Delhi police.

They were listed to Bulli Bai app on the open software development site GitHub using photos from their social media accounts without their permission.

"Pakistan strongly condemns the despicable and totally unacceptable harassment and insult of Muslim women on the internet and purpose-built online application in India," the Foreign Office said on Tuesday.

It noted that the doctored images were placed on the internet application with outrageous captions in a completely obnoxious and repugnant act, aimed at humiliating, harassing and insulting them.

Also read: India probes fake website that offered Muslim women for sale

"Hate-mongering followers of such applications attacked the dignity of nearly 100 influential Muslim women by bidding on them with deeply offensive remarks," it further observed.

The FO termed the development the 'newest low' in the violent streak of hate attacks against minorities in India whereby cyberspace – with purpose-built online platforms and social media – has been used yet again, to demean and harass women, particularly Muslim women

It said that the move was aimed to create a feeling of fear and shame amongst the Muslim community., adding, "These horrifying occurrences have left Muslim women traumatised and in deep fear."

The communique expressed the apprehension that "under the Hindutva-inspired BJP-RSS combine dispensation in New Delhi, space for minorities particularly Muslims is continuously shrinking in India."

Also read: Muslim women in India listed on app for 'auction'

"It is reprehensible that no action has been taken against the perpetrators of similar abhorrent act six months ago auctioning dozens of influential Muslim women in India on a social media platform," it noted with regret.

According to the FO, the deafening silence of the BJP leadership and absence of discernible action against ‘Hindutva’ proponents openly calling for the genocide of Muslims should send alarm bells across the international community about the gross and systematic human rights violations of minorities particularly Muslims in India.

"Pakistan reiterates its calls on the international community, particularly the United Nations and relevant international human rights and humanitarian organisations to fulfil their responsibilities to stop the rising xenophobia, Islamophobia and violent attacks against minorities in India and ensure their safety, security and well-being," the statement concluded.