India has stated at the United Nations that there can be no double standards when it comes to religiophobia, and that the measures taken to combat it should apply equally to phobias against non-Abrahamic religions. TS Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, asserted that India does not require “selective outrage” from outsiders, despite condemnation from more than a dozen Muslim-majority countries over the controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammed made by now-suspended BJP functionaries.
Following their insulting remarks on the Prophet, the Bharatiya Janata Party suspended national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and fired Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal. While India acted quickly to quell West Asian fury over the controversial statements, it chastised the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for issuing a statement that covered the hijab row and the “demolition of Muslims’ properties and growing violence against them.”
Outsiders’ selective outrage is unnecessary, especially when they are self-serving – even communal in nature – and pursuing a divisive agenda,” Tirumurti remarked.
“As we have repeatedly stated, combatting religiophobia should not be limited to one or two religions, but should include include phobias towards non-Abrahamic religions. Such international days will never fulfil their goals until this is done. “There can be no double standards when it comes to religious intolerance,” the envoy added.
Tirumurti was speaking at the ‘Role of education to address the fundamental causes of hate speech and foster inclusiveness, non-discrimination, and peace’ anniversary event of the International Day on Countering Hate Speech. He claimed that India encourages tolerance and inclusion, and that any deviation is dealt with within the legal framework.
“India’s multicultural edifice has made it a safe haven for all those seeking asylum in India, whether the Jewish community, Zoroastrians, Tibetans, or even people from our own backyard,” Tirumurti remarked.
“It is our nation’s inherent strength that has resisted radicalism and terrorism throughout time,” he continued.
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