Pakistan expresses concern over minority persecution in India

Says developments raise alarm about safety and rights of vulnerable communities

ISLAMABAD:

The Foreign Office on Monday expressed “serious concern” over the persecution of religious minorities in India, citing recent incidents of vandalism during Christmas and violence against Muslims in the neighbouring country.

Last week, mobs wielding wooden sticks damaged Christmas decorations at a shopping mall in central India, while right-wing groups disrupted school festivities and set holiday merchandise on fire in the northeast, the Indian media reported. The incidents took place in Chhattisgarh, Assam, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh ahead of the holiday season.

Responding to media queries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ambassador Tahir Andrabi said the developments had raised alarm about the safety and rights of vulnerable communities in India.

In a statement issued by the FO, Andrabi referred to reports of attacks on minority places and state actions that, according to Pakistan, have contributed to fear and alienation among Muslims.

“The persecution of minorities in India is a matter of deep concern,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said.

He pointed to incidents of vandalism during Christmas and alleged state-sponsored campaigns targeting Muslims, including the demolition of homes and cases of mob violence. He also referenced the killing of Muhammad Akhlaq, stating that the perpetrators were shielded from accountability.

Akhlaq, a 50-year-old man was beaten to death in India in 2015, while his son was severely injured after it was rumoured that the family had been storing and consuming beef in India’s Uttar Pradesh.

Ambassador Andrabi said such incidents were not isolated and that the number of victims continued to grow.

He urged the international community to take notice of the situation and take appropriate steps to help protect the fundamental rights of minorities in India.