ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Monday expressed concern over acts of vandalism and violence targeting Christians and Muslims in India, urging the international community to protect vulnerable communities there.
Christian and rights organizations have raised alarm over attempts by some Hindu far-right groups recently to disrupt Christmas celebrations in India. These included a series of attacks targeting members of the minority community there.
In one of the videos that went viral on social media, a local leader of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP party, Anju Bharvaga, can be seen assaulting a visually impaired Christian woman attending a Christmas event in Jabalpur city. Christian watchdog Open Doors International has said it recorded over 60 alleged attacks targeting Christians across India during the Christmas period.
“The persecution of minorities in India is a matter of deep concern,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement.
“Recent condemnable incidents of vandalism during Christmas, as well as state-sponsored campaigns targeting Muslims — including the demolition of their homes and repeated lynchings, notably the case of Muhammad Akhlaq, in which the state worked to shield the perpetrators from accountability — have deepened fear and alienation among Muslims,” it added.
