NEW DELHI, Mar 4 (NNN-PTI) – The Indian government lodged a strong protest against Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif’s remarks, criticising India for the “organised violence against Muslims.”
A statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry said, the Indian government did not expect such comments from Iran.
The Indian government summoned Iranian ambassador, Ali Chegeni, to lodge a strong protest against Zarif’s comments.
“A strong protest was lodged against the unwarranted remarks made by the Iranian foreign minister,” said the ministry’s statement, adding that, Zarif’s “selective and tendentious characterisation” of recent events in Delhi is “not acceptable.”
“We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran,” it said.
On Monday night, Zarif tweeted that Iran condemned the “wave of organised violence against Indian Muslims,” referring to the recent violence in the Indian capital which claimed 46 human lives, mostly Muslims.
Violence erupted last week in north eastern Delhi, over the recent controversial legislation, guaranteeing citizenship to immigrants coming in from three countries — Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Those belonging to six religions, namely Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians, and Parsis have been guaranteed Indian citizenship under the new Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed in Dec. Muslims are not included.
“For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge the Indian authorities to ensure the well-being of all Indians and not let senseless thuggery prevail. Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law,” Zarif added in his tweet.– NNN-PTI