The Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp rebuttal on Wednesday following criticism from Pakistan over the Ayodhya Ram Mandir flag hoisting ceremony. The neighbouring country had voiced “deep concern” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the ceremony on Tuesday — claiming that Muslims now faced growing intolerance and “marginalisation” in India.
‘Country with deep record of bigotry’
“We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others. Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights record,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hoisted a saffron flag on the “shikhar” of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple on Tuesday — symbolising the completion of all construction activity. The Dhwajarohan Utsav was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
What did Pakistan say?
Pakistan had vemently criticised the participation of PM Modi in the flag hoisting ceremony. A lengthy statement from the foreign ministry expressed “deep concern” over the ceremony and noted that the temple was constructed at the site of the demolished Babri Masjid. Islamabad alleged that the ceremony was a reflection of pressure on religious minorities in India.
“Pakistan has noted with deep concern the flag hoisting at the so-called ‘Ram Temple’ constructed on the site of the historic Babri Mosque in Ayodhya…” the statement began.
The statement criticised the the judicial and political processes that had followed the demolition — linking the flag hoisting ceremony to broader issues.
