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{{redirects|Naveen Kumar Jindal|the former Indian member of Parliament|Naveen Jindal}}
#REDIRECT [[Nupur Sharma (politician)]]
On 27 May, [[Nupur Sharma (politician)|Nupur Sharma]] and Naveen Kumar Jindal, ([[Spokesperson|spokespeople]] for the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] [[India]]) made controversial remarks regarding the Islamic prophet [[Muhammad]].<ref name=wapo1/> The remarks were widely condemned in the [[Muslim world]].<ref name=wapo1>{{Cite news |title=Muslim nations slam India over insulting remarks about Islam |language=en-US |work=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/muslim-nations-slam-india-over-insulting-remarks-about-islam/2022/06/06/ddad5700-e56c-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |access-date=2022-06-06 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Strong condemnation of the blasphemy of the Holy Prophet by the Indian authorities of the Armed Forces The-PiPa-News |url=https://thepipanews.com/strong-condemnation-of-the-blasphemy-of-the-holy-prophet-by-the-indian-authorities-of-the-armed-forces-the-pipa-news/ |access-date=2022-06-06 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 6, 2022 |title=Nupur Sharma Statement: Remarks against Prophet; BJP acts against 2 office-bearers Nupur Sharma and Naveen Zindal; Latest developments {{!}} India News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remarks-against-prophet-bjp-acts-against-2-office-bearers-latest-developments/articleshow/92027848.cms |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

==Background==
The controversy emerged amidst intensifying religious tensions in India. Many have accused India's ruling party, the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), of instigating violence through divisive rhetoric against the country's Muslim minority.<ref name=forbes>{{cite news|author=Siladitya Ray|title=India's Religious Tensions Spill Over As Middle Eastern Countries Condemn Comments About Islam|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/06/06/indias-religious-tensions-spark-diplomatic-row-after-ruling-partys-comments-about-prophet-muhammad--heres-what-to-know/?sh=5d6d9ce66730|publisher=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> In June 2022, the US [[Secretary of State]], [[Antony Blinken]], stated there were “rising attacks on people and places of worship" in India.<ref name=forbes/> India said the comments were "ill-informed".<ref name=cbcnews/>

In recent days, communal tensions have increased surrounding the [[Gyanvapi mosque]]. The mosque was built in the 17th century, however, many believe it was built by demolishing an existing Hindu temple.<ref name=cbcnews/><ref name=bbc1/> Although many Hindus insist on the existence of the temple before the mosque, some Muslims have claimed such a shrine never existed.<ref name=lucente/> Tensions surrounding this site have resulted in raucous debates on Indian TV channels.<ref name=cbcnews/><ref name=bbc1/> There had been rampant hate on social media surrounding the mosque controversy.<ref name=bbc1/>

== Comments about Muhammad ==
On 27 May 2022, Nupur Sharma participated in a debate on the [[Gyanvapi Mosque]] dispute on the [[Times Now]] television channel, during which she made controversial remarks about Islam.<ref name=lucente>{{cite news|title=Explainer: India BJP Party spokesperson's comments on prophet spark backlash|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/06/explainer-india-bjp-party-spokespersons-comments-prophet-spark-backlash|author=Adam Lucente}}</ref> She rhetorically asked if she should mock the [[Quran]], referred to "flying horses" (likely a reference to [[buraq]]) and mentioned [[Muhammad]] and the age of one of his wives, [[Aisha]].<ref name=lucente/> The [[Alt News]] co-founder Mohammed Zubair shared a video clip of her remarks on social media. Sharma later alleged that it was a "heavily edited and selected video", which was denied by Pratik Sinha, the other co-founder of Alt News. Sinha stated that it was unedited and also included a longer clip which showed the context.<ref name="Scroll 29 May">
{{citation |title=FIR filed against BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for comments about Prophet Mohammad |newspaper=Scroll.in |date=29 May 2022 |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1024989/fir-filed-against-bjp-spokesperson-nupur-sharma-for-comments-about-prophet-mohammad}}
</ref><ref name="Wire 1 June">
{{citation |title='Remarks on Prophet': After Thane, Hyderabad Police Files FIR Against BJP's Nupur Sharma |newspaper=The Wire |date=1 June 2022 |url=https://thewire.in/government/remarks-on-prophet-after-thane-hyderabad-police-files-fir-against-bjps-nupur-sharma}}
</ref>

On June 1, Naveen Kumar Jindal, allegedly tweeted derogatory remarks against Muhammad.<ref name=siasat>{{cite news|title=BJP suspends Nupur Sharma, expels Naveen Jindal amid global backlash|url=https://www.siasat.com/bjp-suspends-nupur-sharma-expels-naveen-jindal-amid-global-backlash-2342570/|date=2022-06-05}}</ref> After the tweet attracted backlash in the [[Arab world]], Jindal deleted the tweet and said he did not intend to demean any faith.<ref name=peninsula1>{{cite news|title=Delhi BJP leader suspended after inflammatory tweet causes wide discontent in Arab world|url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/05/06/2022/delhi-bjp-leader-suspended-after-inflammatory-tweet-causes-wide-discontent-in-arab-world|publisher=[[The Peninsula (newspaper)]]}}</ref>

==Initial reactions==
A police [[First Information Report|FIR]] (First Information Report) was registered against Sharma in [[Mumbai]] ([[Pydhonie]] Police Station) on the next day. She was accused of "hurting religious sentiments".<ref>{{citation |title=BJP's Nupur Sharma booked over remark on Prophet Muhammad |newspaper=The Free press Journal |date=29 May 2022 |id={{ProQuest|2671096342}}}}
</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Mumbai police book BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for remarks on Prophet |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=29 May 2022 |id={{ProQuest|2670791553}}}}</ref> A second FIR was registered in [[Thane]] (a suburb of Mumbai) on 30 May on the same grounds.<ref>{{citation |title=Maharashtra: Second FIR against BJP spokesperson over comments on Prophet Mohammed |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=31 May 2022 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/maharashtra-fir-bjp-spokesperson-comments-prophet-mohammed-7943877/}}</ref> Another FIR was registered by the [[AIMIM]] leader [[Asaduddin Owaisi]] in Hyderabad, for using “abusive, false and hurtful” words against the Prophet Muhammad and the Islam religion.<ref name="Wire 1 June"/> Several other FIRs were registered at other locations in the country. Sharma stated that she had started receiving rape and death threats. She appeared to hold Zubair responsible for the threats. Alt News denied any responsibility for the reaction from the viewers after watching the video clip.<ref name="Scroll 29 May"/><ref name="Wire 1 June"/><ref>Pratik Sinha, [https://twitter.com/free_thinker/status/1530474189835993088 twitter thread], 28 May 2022.
</ref>

On June 3, hundreds of Muslims protested the remarks in [[Kanpur]] after [[Friday prayers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Clashes in Kanpur over 'insult' to Prophet Mohammed during TV debate|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/religious-body-demands-places-of-worship-act-be-scrapped-1115010.html|publisher=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Blasphemous remarks: Hindu-Muslim clashes erupt in India|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/963709-hindu-muslim-clashes-erupt-in-india|publisher=[[The News International]]}}</ref>

Sharma's comments were also widely shared internationally on social media. By 4 June, "insult to Prophet Mohammed" was trending among the top 10 hashtags in all the countries of [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] (GCC) and Turkey.<ref name="Tribune West Asia">
{{citation |title=Remarks against Prophet Mohammed: Did West Asia social media outrage force BJP to take action? |newspaper=The Tribune (Chandigarh) |date=5 June 2022 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/remarks-against-prophet-mohammed-did-west-asia-social-media-outrage-force-bjp-to-take-action-401250}}</ref>

== International reactions ==
Five [[Arab nations]] have lodged official protests against [[India]]. [[Pakistan]] and [[Afghanistan]] also reacted strongly to the comments made by two prominent spokespeople from [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]]'s [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]).<ref>{{Cite news |last=BJP' spokesperson |title=Reactions to Blasphemy by BJP spokesperson |work=CBC NEWS |url=https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6479108}}</ref>

=== Oman ===
The Grand Mufti of [[Oman]] called the remarks "insolent and obscene rudeness" by the official spokesperson of [[BJP]] and characterized it as war against every [[Muslims|Muslim]]. He called for a boycott of all Indian products and confiscation of all [[India]]n investments in Oman.<ref name="Tribune West Asia"/> The [[Government of Qatar]] summoned the Indian [[ambassador]] and asked for immediate condemnation and an apology for the remarks. The ambassador is reported to have replied that these were the views of "fringe elements" in India and in no way reflect the views of the Government of India.<ref>{{citation |title="Fringe Elements": India Dismisses BJP Leaders' Remarks On Prophet |newspaper=NDTV News |date=6 June 2022 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/qatar-nupur-sharma-views-of-fringe-elements-says-india-on-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet-3040851}}</ref> Kuwait and Iran have also summoned the Indian envoys and gave them protest notes.<ref name=":0">{{citation |title=Qatar, Kuwait, Iran Summon Indian Envoys Over BJP Leaders' Remarks on Prophet Mohammed |newspaper=The Wire |date=6 June 2022 |url=https://thewire.in/diplomacy/qatar-summons-indian-envoy-seeks-govts-public-apology-over-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet}}</ref>

=== Pakistan ===
Pakistani president [[Arif Alvi]] said "such comments were the reflection of a growing trend of [[Islamophobia]] in India, which is home to millions of Muslims."<ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan slams BJP for remarks against Holy Prophet|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1693382|publisher=[[Dawn (newspaper)]]}}</ref> Pakistan also issued a démarche to the Indian Charge d' Affaires in Islamabad.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Pakistan issues demarche to India over blasphemous remarks |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2360263/pakistan-issues-demarche-to-india-over-blasphemous-remarks-by-bjp-officials |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Indian diplomat was summoned to convey Pakistan's categorical rejection and strong condemnation of the derogatory remarks.<ref name=":1" /> "He was told that these remarks are totally unacceptable and have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but Muslims across the world".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan sends demarche to Indian diplomat over blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/420921-pakistan-issues-strong-demarche-to-indian-charge-d-affairs-over-blasphemy-against-prophet-pbuh |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}</ref> India responded by saying Pakistan's remarks were "absurd" given the persecution of minorities in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Remarks on Prophet Mohammad: As criticism grows, India rejects OIC’s comments as ‘narrow-minded’|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-reponds-oic-comments-remarks-against-prophet-bjp-nupur-sharma-7955091/}}</ref>

=== Qatar ===
A Qatari minister said, “Systematic hate speech against Islam in India... will be considered insult by 2 billion [[Muslims]].” Qatar's condemnation came amid the visit of India’s Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu who met [[Qatari Prime Minister]] Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha on Sunday.

India’s Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal said the comments "do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the [[Government of India]]. These are the views of fringe elements," said a spokesperson of the embassy. Mittal was summoned by [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar)|Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs]], which said it was "expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the government of India".

"Allowing such Islamophobic remarks to continue without punishment, constitutes a grave danger to the protection of human rights and may lead to further prejudice and marginalization, which will create a cycle of violence and hate," [[Qatar]] said.<ref name=":0" />

=== Kuwait ===
[[Kuwait]] demanded a "public apology for these hostile statements, the continuation of which would constitute a deterrent measure or [[punishment]] to increase [[extremism]] and hatred and undermine the elements of moderation".<ref name=":0" /> A Kuwaiti supermarket removed Indian made products in protest.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian products pulled by Kuwait supermarket in row over Prophet remarks|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3180641/indian-products-pulled-kuwait-supermarket-row-over-prophet|publisher=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kuwait supermarket pulls Indian products as row grows over Prophet remarks|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220606-kuwait-supermarket-pulls-indian-products-as-row-grows-over-prophet-remarks}}</ref>

The Indian embassy in [[Kuwait]] said in a statement that the Ambassador had a meeting with the foreign office where "concerns were raised with regard to some offensive tweets by individuals in India.<ref>{{cite news|author=Mohammed Baleegh|title=Govt penalised culprits for offensive tweets against minorities: Indian embassy in Kuwait|url=https://www.siasat.com/govt-penalised-culprits-for-offensive-tweets-against-minorities-indian-embassy-in-kuwait-2342971/|date=2022-06-06|publisher=[[The Siasat Daily]]}}</ref>

===Other countries===
The [[UAE]]'s foreign ministry condemned what it called "the blasphemous remarks made by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s spokesperson that insulted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)".<ref>{{cite news|title=UAE condemns blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad in India|url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-condemns-blasphemous-remarks-against-prophet-muhammad-in-india-1.88407533}}</ref> UAE's decision to join other Muslim-majority countries in condemning the remarks was called "quite significant" by [[BBC News]], given the strength of the [[India-UAE relations]].<ref name=bbc1>{{cite news|title=Nupur Sharma: India's diplomatic woes over Prophet Muhammad row deepen|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61701908|publisher=[[BBC News]]|author=Vikas Pandey}}</ref>

The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Indonesia)|Indonesian Foreign Ministry]] condemned what it called "unacceptable derogatory remarks" regarding Muhammad.<ref>{{cite news|title=More nations condemn Prophet remarks even as Centre troubleshoots|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uae-condemns-bjp-nupur-sharma-prophet-remarks-1959124-2022-06-06}}</ref><ref name=bbc1/>

A member of the [[Maldives]]' [[People's Majlis|parliament]], [[Adam Shareef]] filed for a motion that called on the country's president to condemn the remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. The motion was defeated with 10 votes in favour and 33 votes against.<ref>{{cite news|title=Maldives parliament rejects motion that sought condemnation of BJP leaders’ remarks on Prophet|url=https://theprint.in/diplomacy/maldives-parliament-rejects-motion-that-sought-condemnation-of-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet/985562/</ref> Later, the Maldives' government expressed "concern" over the remarks, but also welcomed BJP's action taken against the officials.<ref>{{cite news|title=UAE, Jordan, Maldives join list of nations condemning comments on Prophet|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uae-jordan-join-list-of-nations-condemning-ex-bjp-leaders-comments-on-prophet-101654527736890.html}}</ref>

Egypt's [[Al-Azhar mosque]], one of the leading institutions of learning in the Islamic world, condemned the remarks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/621434|publisher=[[Saudi Gazette]]}}</ref><ref name=cbcnews>{{cite news|title=India facing accusations of blasphemy after top officials make insulting remarks about Islam, Prophet Muhammad|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/indian-prophet-muhammad-muslim-1.6479108}}</ref>

==Indian government response==
The Indian government responded to international controversy by stating that the controversial remarks did not reflect government position but rather came from "fringe elements".<ref>{{cite news|title=More Muslim countries take exception to BJP leaders' derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1693454/more-muslim-countries-take-exception-to-bjp-leaders-derogatory-remarks-about-holy-prophet|publisher=[[Dawn (newspaper)]]}}</ref> The BJP removed both Sharma and Jindal and said "strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks".<ref name=guardian1>{{cite news|title=Prophet Muhammad remarks embroil India in row with Gulf states|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/06/prophet-muhammad-remarks-embroil-india-in-row-with-gulf-states}}</ref>

On June 6, the Ministry of External Affairs called out the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)]]’s “motivated, misleading, and mischievous” comments on India. MEA official spokesperson [[Arindam Bagchi]] while replying to media queries on the General Secretary of OIC’s statement said that the Government of India categorically rejected OIC Secretariat’s comments. The government of India categorically rejects OIC Secretariat’s unwarranted and narrow-minded comments. The Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions. “The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies”, the statement added.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Narrow-Minded": India's Reply To Islamic Nations' Group Amid Gulf Fury |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/islamic-nations-groups-remarks-on-prophet-controversy-unwarranted-and-narrow-minded-says-centre-amid-gulf-backlash-3041625 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=India rejects OIC's 'unwarranted & narrow-minded' comments: MEA |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-rejects-oics-unwarranted-narrow-minded-comments-mea/articleshow/92031183.cms |access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |others=PTI |date=2022-06-06 |title=India rejects OIC's comments over controversial remarks against Prophet |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-rejects-oics-comments-over-controversial-remarks-against-prophet/article65499818.ece |access-date=2022-06-07 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DelhiJune 6 |first=india today digital New |last2=June 6 |first2=2022UPDATED: |last3=Ist |first3=2022 13:42 |title='Narrow-minded': India's response to Islamic nations' group after row over BJP leader's Prophet remarks |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/narrow-minded-india-response-islamic-nations-group-oic-nupur-sharma-prophet-remarks-1958887-2022-06-06 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
== Riots in Kanpur ==
Hayat Zafar Hashmi, chief of Maulana Mohammed Ali (MMA) Jauhar Fans Association called for a bandh (shutdown) of local shops in protest of comments from Sharma. They also planned to take out a procession and called to shut down shops at parade market during which they confronted with the members of other community as a result of which clashes broke out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=KanpurJune 3 |first=Simer Chawla |last2=June 3 |first2=2022UPDATED: |last3=Ist |first3=2022 21:10 |title=Stone pelting in Kanpur amid calls to shut shops over BJP leader's remark, 2 injured |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/stone-pelting-kanpur-amid-calls-to-shut-shops-over-bjp-leader-nupur-sharma-remark-1957995-2022-06-03 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>[https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/page1/riots-in-kanpur-over-blasphemy-during-tv-debate--18-arrested.html]

==See also==
*[[International reactions to the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Islam-related controversies]]

Revision as of 05:11, 7 June 2022

"Naveen Kumar Jindal" redirects here. For the former Indian member of Parliament, see Naveen Jindal.

On 27 May, Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, (spokespeople for the Bharatiya Janata Party India) made controversial remarks regarding the Islamic prophet Muhammad.[1] The remarks were widely condemned in the Muslim world.[1][2][3]

Background

The controversy emerged amidst intensifying religious tensions in India. Many have accused India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of instigating violence through divisive rhetoric against the country's Muslim minority.[4] In June 2022, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stated there were “rising attacks on people and places of worship" in India.[4] India said the comments were "ill-informed".[5]

In recent days, communal tensions have increased surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque. The mosque was built in the 17th century, however, many believe it was built by demolishing an existing Hindu temple.[5][6] Although many Hindus insist on the existence of the temple before the mosque, some Muslims have claimed such a shrine never existed.[7] Tensions surrounding this site have resulted in raucous debates on Indian TV channels.[5][6] There had been rampant hate on social media surrounding the mosque controversy.[6]

Comments about Muhammad

On 27 May 2022, Nupur Sharma participated in a debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute on the Times Now television channel, during which she made controversial remarks about Islam.[7] She rhetorically asked if she should mock the Quran, referred to "flying horses" (likely a reference to buraq) and mentioned Muhammad and the age of one of his wives, Aisha.[7] The Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair shared a video clip of her remarks on social media. Sharma later alleged that it was a "heavily edited and selected video", which was denied by Pratik Sinha, the other co-founder of Alt News. Sinha stated that it was unedited and also included a longer clip which showed the context.[8][9]

On June 1, Naveen Kumar Jindal, allegedly tweeted derogatory remarks against Muhammad.[10] After the tweet attracted backlash in the Arab world, Jindal deleted the tweet and said he did not intend to demean any faith.[11]

Initial reactions

A police FIR (First Information Report) was registered against Sharma in Mumbai (Pydhonie Police Station) on the next day. She was accused of "hurting religious sentiments".[12][13] A second FIR was registered in Thane (a suburb of Mumbai) on 30 May on the same grounds.[14] Another FIR was registered by the AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad, for using “abusive, false and hurtful” words against the Prophet Muhammad and the Islam religion.[9] Several other FIRs were registered at other locations in the country. Sharma stated that she had started receiving rape and death threats. She appeared to hold Zubair responsible for the threats. Alt News denied any responsibility for the reaction from the viewers after watching the video clip.[8][9][15]

On June 3, hundreds of Muslims protested the remarks in Kanpur after Friday prayers.[16][17]

Sharma's comments were also widely shared internationally on social media. By 4 June, "insult to Prophet Mohammed" was trending among the top 10 hashtags in all the countries of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Turkey.[18]

International reactions

Five Arab nations have lodged official protests against India. Pakistan and Afghanistan also reacted strongly to the comments made by two prominent spokespeople from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[19]

Oman

The Grand Mufti of Oman called the remarks "insolent and obscene rudeness" by the official spokesperson of BJP and characterized it as war against every Muslim. He called for a boycott of all Indian products and confiscation of all Indian investments in Oman.[18] The Government of Qatar summoned the Indian ambassador and asked for immediate condemnation and an apology for the remarks. The ambassador is reported to have replied that these were the views of "fringe elements" in India and in no way reflect the views of the Government of India.[20] Kuwait and Iran have also summoned the Indian envoys and gave them protest notes.[21]

Pakistan

Pakistani president Arif Alvi said "such comments were the reflection of a growing trend of Islamophobia in India, which is home to millions of Muslims."[22] Pakistan also issued a démarche to the Indian Charge d' Affaires in Islamabad.[23] A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Indian diplomat was summoned to convey Pakistan's categorical rejection and strong condemnation of the derogatory remarks.[23] "He was told that these remarks are totally unacceptable and have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but Muslims across the world".[24] India responded by saying Pakistan's remarks were "absurd" given the persecution of minorities in Pakistan.[25]

Qatar

A Qatari minister said, “Systematic hate speech against Islam in India... will be considered insult by 2 billion Muslims.” Qatar's condemnation came amid the visit of India’s Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu who met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha on Sunday.

India’s Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal said the comments "do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements," said a spokesperson of the embassy. Mittal was summoned by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said it was "expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the government of India".

"Allowing such Islamophobic remarks to continue without punishment, constitutes a grave danger to the protection of human rights and may lead to further prejudice and marginalization, which will create a cycle of violence and hate," Qatar said.[21]

Kuwait

Kuwait demanded a "public apology for these hostile statements, the continuation of which would constitute a deterrent measure or punishment to increase extremism and hatred and undermine the elements of moderation".[21] A Kuwaiti supermarket removed Indian made products in protest.[26][27]

The Indian embassy in Kuwait said in a statement that the Ambassador had a meeting with the foreign office where "concerns were raised with regard to some offensive tweets by individuals in India.[28]

Other countries

The UAE's foreign ministry condemned what it called "the blasphemous remarks made by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s spokesperson that insulted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)".[29] UAE's decision to join other Muslim-majority countries in condemning the remarks was called "quite significant" by BBC News, given the strength of the India-UAE relations.[6]

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry condemned what it called "unacceptable derogatory remarks" regarding Muhammad.[30][6]

A member of the Maldives' parliament, Adam Shareef filed for a motion that called on the country's president to condemn the remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. The motion was defeated with 10 votes in favour and 33 votes against.[31] Later, the Maldives' government expressed "concern" over the remarks, but also welcomed BJP's action taken against the officials.[32]

Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque, one of the leading institutions of learning in the Islamic world, condemned the remarks.[33][5]

Indian government response

The Indian government responded to international controversy by stating that the controversial remarks did not reflect government position but rather came from "fringe elements".[34] The BJP removed both Sharma and Jindal and said "strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks".[35]

On June 6, the Ministry of External Affairs called out the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)’s “motivated, misleading, and mischievous” comments on India. MEA official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi while replying to media queries on the General Secretary of OIC’s statement said that the Government of India categorically rejected OIC Secretariat’s comments. The government of India categorically rejects OIC Secretariat’s unwarranted and narrow-minded comments. The Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions. “The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies”, the statement added.[36][37][38][39]

Riots in Kanpur

Hayat Zafar Hashmi, chief of Maulana Mohammed Ali (MMA) Jauhar Fans Association called for a bandh (shutdown) of local shops in protest of comments from Sharma. They also planned to take out a procession and called to shut down shops at parade market during which they confronted with the members of other community as a result of which clashes broke out.[40][1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Muslim nations slam India over insulting remarks about Islam". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  2. ^ "Strong condemnation of the blasphemy of the Holy Prophet by the Indian authorities of the Armed Forces The-PiPa-News". Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  3. ^ "Nupur Sharma Statement: Remarks against Prophet; BJP acts against 2 office-bearers Nupur Sharma and Naveen Zindal; Latest developments | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Jun 6, 2022. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  4. ^ a b Siladitya Ray. "India's Religious Tensions Spill Over As Middle Eastern Countries Condemn Comments About Islam". Forbes.
  5. ^ a b c d "India facing accusations of blasphemy after top officials make insulting remarks about Islam, Prophet Muhammad".
  6. ^ a b c d e Vikas Pandey. "Nupur Sharma: India's diplomatic woes over Prophet Muhammad row deepen". BBC News.
  7. ^ a b c Adam Lucente. "Explainer: India BJP Party spokesperson's comments on prophet spark backlash".
  8. ^ a b "FIR filed against BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for comments about Prophet Mohammad", Scroll.in, 29 May 2022
  9. ^ a b c "'Remarks on Prophet': After Thane, Hyderabad Police Files FIR Against BJP's Nupur Sharma", The Wire, 1 June 2022
  10. ^ "BJP suspends Nupur Sharma, expels Naveen Jindal amid global backlash". 2022-06-05.
  11. ^ "Delhi BJP leader suspended after inflammatory tweet causes wide discontent in Arab world". The Peninsula (newspaper).
  12. ^ "BJP's Nupur Sharma booked over remark on Prophet Muhammad", The Free press Journal, 29 May 2022, ProQuest 2671096342
  13. ^ "Mumbai police book BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for remarks on Prophet", The Indian Express, 29 May 2022, ProQuest 2670791553
  14. ^ "Maharashtra: Second FIR against BJP spokesperson over comments on Prophet Mohammed", The Indian Express, 31 May 2022
  15. ^ Pratik Sinha, twitter thread, 28 May 2022.
  16. ^ "Clashes in Kanpur over 'insult' to Prophet Mohammed during TV debate". Deccan Herald.
  17. ^ "Blasphemous remarks: Hindu-Muslim clashes erupt in India". The News International.
  18. ^ a b "Remarks against Prophet Mohammed: Did West Asia social media outrage force BJP to take action?", The Tribune (Chandigarh), 5 June 2022
  19. ^ BJP' spokesperson. "Reactions to Blasphemy by BJP spokesperson". CBC NEWS.
  20. ^ ""Fringe Elements": India Dismisses BJP Leaders' Remarks On Prophet", NDTV News, 6 June 2022
  21. ^ a b c "Qatar, Kuwait, Iran Summon Indian Envoys Over BJP Leaders' Remarks on Prophet Mohammed", The Wire, 6 June 2022
  22. ^ "Pakistan slams BJP for remarks against Holy Prophet". Dawn (newspaper).
  23. ^ a b "Pakistan issues demarche to India over blasphemous remarks". The Express Tribune. 2022-06-06. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  24. ^ "Pakistan sends demarche to Indian diplomat over blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  25. ^ "Remarks on Prophet Mohammad: As criticism grows, India rejects OIC's comments as 'narrow-minded'".
  26. ^ "Indian products pulled by Kuwait supermarket in row over Prophet remarks". South China Morning Post.
  27. ^ "Kuwait supermarket pulls Indian products as row grows over Prophet remarks".
  28. ^ Mohammed Baleegh (2022-06-06). "Govt penalised culprits for offensive tweets against minorities: Indian embassy in Kuwait". The Siasat Daily.
  29. ^ "UAE condemns blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad in India".
  30. ^ "More nations condemn Prophet remarks even as Centre troubleshoots".
  31. ^ {{cite news|title=Maldives parliament rejects motion that sought condemnation of BJP leaders’ remarks on Prophet|url=https://theprint.in/diplomacy/maldives-parliament-rejects-motion-that-sought-condemnation-of-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet/985562/
  32. ^ "UAE, Jordan, Maldives join list of nations condemning comments on Prophet".
  33. ^ . Saudi Gazette https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/621434. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  34. ^ "More Muslim countries take exception to BJP leaders' derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet". Dawn (newspaper).
  35. ^ "Prophet Muhammad remarks embroil India in row with Gulf states".
  36. ^ ""Narrow-Minded": India's Reply To Islamic Nations' Group Amid Gulf Fury". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
  37. ^ "India rejects OIC's 'unwarranted & narrow-minded' comments: MEA". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
  38. ^ "India rejects OIC's comments over controversial remarks against Prophet". The Hindu. PTI. 2022-06-06. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2022-06-07.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  39. ^ DelhiJune 6, india today digital New; June 6, 2022UPDATED:; Ist, 2022 13:42. "'Narrow-minded': India's response to Islamic nations' group after row over BJP leader's Prophet remarks". India Today. Retrieved 2022-06-07. {{cite web}}: |first3= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ KanpurJune 3, Simer Chawla; June 3, 2022UPDATED:; Ist, 2022 21:10. "Stone pelting in Kanpur amid calls to shut shops over BJP leader's remark, 2 injured". India Today. Retrieved 2022-06-07. {{cite web}}: |first3= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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