India Rejects Pakistan’s Concerns over Threats against Muslims
India has dismissed comments by Pakistan regarding alleged hatred and threats targeting Muslims and Islamic religious sites in the country, calling the remarks «absurd» and an interference in its internal affairs.
The response came after Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern over reported threats to Muslim places of worship in India, including the historic Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi. New Delhi rejected the criticism, saying Pakistan had «no locus standi» to comment on domestic Indian matters.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs accused Islamabad of attempting a political attack and pointed to Pakistan’s own human rights record, arguing that the country was in no position to lecture others on minority rights. Officials described the comments as being driven by «bigotry and hatred» and reiterated India’s position that such issues fall solely within its domestic jurisdiction.
The exchange marks the latest diplomatic dispute between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, whose relations remain strained over a range of political, security and human rights issues. Both countries have frequently traded accusations at international forums and through official statements.
