JEDDAH: The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its concern over the recent acts of violence and vandalism against the Muslim community in several Indian states during the Ram Navami processions.
In a statement released on Sunday, the OIC General Secretariat denounced the burning of a madrasa (seminary) and its library by extremist Hindu attackers in Bihar Sharif on March 31, 2023. The organization called upon the Indian authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators and instigators of such acts and to ensure the safety, security, dignity, and rights of the Muslim community in the country.
The OIC General Secretariat stated that such acts of violence and vandalism are a vivid manifestation of mounting Islamophobia and systemic targeting of the Muslim community in India. The organization called upon the Indian authorities to take effective steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The OIC General Secretariat urged the Indian government to fulfill its obligations under international human rights law, including the right to freedom of religion and belief and to protect the religious minorities in the country. The organization also stressed the importance of promoting interfaith harmony and understanding among different religious communities in India.
OIC expresses solidarity with Muslims in India
The OIC General Secretariat expressed its solidarity with the Muslim community in India and reiterated its commitment to working with the Indian government and civil society to promote tolerance, respect for diversity, and peaceful coexistence among all communities in the country.
The recent violence against Muslims in India during the Ram Navami processions has raised concerns about the rising tide of religious intolerance and communal violence in the country.
The Indian government has been criticized for its failure to protect religious minorities and to hold the perpetrators of such acts accountable. The OIC General Secretariat’s statement is likely to add to the pressure on the Indian government to take effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
