Iranian Lawmaker Urges Foreign Ministry to Recall Envoy from New Delhi

Former Head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Alaeddin Boroujerdi called upon the government to take serious measures in the face of brutalities against Muslims in India, and urged the Foreign Ministry to recall the Iranian ambassador from New Delhi.

News ID: 449541

Date: 11 March 2020 - 10:19

RNA - “Although the country is dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, our officials should be more vigilant towards the Indian Muslims’ situation and adopt measures beyond summoning the Indian ambassador,” Boroujerdi said on Tuesday.

“It is necessary to recall the Iranian ambassador from New Delhi and to hold consultations with him about further decisions. Also, Iranian President and Foreign Minister should adopt serious actions via the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to solve the problem,” he highlighted.

“Given that at least 200 million of India's population are Muslim, the country’s constitution has respected Muslim rights and the equality of all people, however, the current Indian government, that is an extremist body affiliated to Hindus, tried to introduce some changes in the constitution through the Parliament, disrupting decades of peace in the society,” said Boroujerdi.

“The traditional constitutional structure in India must continue because otherwise Muslims in India will take similar actions against violent behavior and this will not be in the interest of the Indian society,” said the MP, adding, “This will harm India’s national security."

Pointing to the US’ role in the situation, Boroujerdi said that “US policy in the region, and particularly in developing countries such as India, is causing to fail, and they are doing everything they can to prevent these countries from succeeding. Although US officials have always claimed to support human rights, they are witnessing the brutal treatment of Indian Muslims and have remained silent while they should act responsibly according to their claims.”

“We should not let the barbaric killing of and violence against Muslims continue because Muslims played a major role in gaining independence from British colonialism,” he added.

Last month, in the worst communal violence in decades in New Delhi, nearly 50 people were killed and over 100 wounded as groups chanting Hindu nationalist slogans torched mosques and dozens of Muslim houses.

Last month’s worst anti-Muslim violence by Hindu nationalists began on the eve of a state visit by US President Donald Trump, infamous for his anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies.

Anti-Muslim violence started in India amid widespread protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government introduced in December, offering a path to Indian citizenship for six religious groups from neighboring countries, specifically excluding Muslims.

According to Fars News Agency, critics insist the law is discriminatory, coming in the wake of other severe government measures against the country’s Muslim population such as withdrawal of autonomy for Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir province that has intensified discord across India about the future of its 200 million Muslims.

Last Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif condemned the outburst of violence against Indian Muslims, urging New Delhi to protect all of its citizens regardless of their faith and ethnicity.

“Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims,” Zarif said in a tweet, while highlighting amicable relations between Tehran and New Delhi

“For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India,” he said, adding, “We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail.”

“Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law,” Zarif concluded.

Before Zarif, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi voiced his country’s serious concern about the rising atrocities against Muslims in India, adding that Tehran is consistently following up the case.

“We are following the news coming from India with concern,” Mousavi said in his weekly presser.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is following up on the issue through many channels and we have heard that some Muslim countries have had some movements.”

“We know India as a country where all ethnicities and religions live peacefully side by side,” he said, adding, “We hope that violence against Muslims in India would come to an end.”

“Considering the wisdom of Indian authorities that we are aware of, the country will become a peaceful place for all ethnicities,” he said.

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