FO condemns construction of temple on Babri Mosque site

Pakistan condemned on Tuesday the ongoing construction of a Hindu temple on the site of demolished Babri Mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya and called on New Delhi to ensure that the historic mosque was rebuilt on its original site and the criminals responsible for its destruction were awarded befitting punishment.

In a statement, marking the 30th anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition by Hindu zealots, the Foreign Office warned Hindu supremacist groups had been demanding conversion of some other mosques into temples, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.

“These demands might lead to more tragedies like that of Babri Mosque. There is a persistent assault on the religious freedoms of the Indian Muslims. The ruling party in India continues to incite hysteria and hatred against Muslims,” the Foreign Office said.

The statement said that the 30th anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition “is a sad reminder of the growing anti-Muslim frenzy in India ever since”. It also condemned the acquittal of the criminals responsible for its destruction.

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“As also demanded by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation through its various pronouncements, we call upon the Government of India to ensure that the Babri Mosque is rebuilt on its original site and the criminals responsible for its destruction are awarded befitting punishment,” the statement said.

“The international community needs to take coginzance of the growing Islamophobia, hate speech and hate crimes in India. The Indian government must ensure safety, security and protection of minorities, particularly Muslims and their places of worship.”

The Foreign Office urged the international community, the United Nations and relevant international organisations to play their role in preserving the Islamic heritage sites in India from the extremist Hindutva’ regime.

Separately, the Foreign Office “deeply regretted” India’s denial of visa to the Pakistan blind cricket team for participation in the third T-20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind, being played in India during 5-17 December 2022.

“As a result of the Indian decision, Pakistani players would be deprived of the opportunity to participate in an international sporting event of special significance. This reflects India’s insensitivity towards promotion of sports meant for differently-abled persons. The sports events must not be politicised.”