India Dismisses Pakistan’s Criticism Of Ram Mandir Flag-Hoisting, Cites Hypocrisy On Minority Rights
India issued a sharp rebuke to Pakistan on Wednesday following Islamabad’s criticism of the flag-hoisting ceremony at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Pakistan’s comments, asserting that the neighboring country lacks any moral authority to criticize others given its own track record on minority rights.
“We have noted the reported statements and dismiss them with the contempt they warrant. Given Pakistan’s deeply troubling history of bigotry, oppression, and systematic persecution of its minorities, it has no credibility to preach to others,” Jaiswal stated, delivering a forceful response to Pakistan’s reaction to Tuesday’s religious ceremony in Ayodhya.
A day earlier, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an official statement attempting to draw international scrutiny to the flag-hoisting event. The statement labeled it as evidence of “Islamophobia” and “heritage desecration,” referencing the December 6, 1992, demolition of the Babri Masjid.
Pakistan’s statement continued with unfounded allegations against India, targeting the government and judiciary that permitted the Ram Mandir’s construction. The statement characterized these developments as reflecting “the Indian state’s discriminatory approach towards minorities.”
“Instead of offering hypocritical sermons, Pakistan would be better served by looking inward and addressing its own deplorable human rights situation,” the MEA spokesperson said, rejecting Islamabad’s unsolicited commentary on the November 25 ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the Dhwajarohan ceremony on Tuesday, hoisting a sacred saffron flag atop the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The grand event symbolized the formal completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, over a year following its consecration.
In its statement addressing both Tuesday’s flag-hoisting and the temple’s January 2024 consecration, Pakistan alleged a pattern of pressure against religious minorities in India. It appealed to the international community and the United Nations to take notice of these developments.
Pakistan’s statement also urged the Indian government to “uphold the rights of religious minorities.” India categorically rejected Pakistan’s remarks, characterizing them as a clear demonstration of hypocrisy and intolerance.