Prophet remarks row still raging: Centre comes up with new statement

Facing widespread anger in the Arab countries over the controversial comments on Prophet Mohammad, India on Thursday said it has made it clear that the remarks do not reflect the views of the government.

“We have made it pretty clear that tweets and comments do not reflect views of government,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing.

“This has been conveyed to our interlocutors as also the fact that action has been taken by the concerned quarters against those who made the comments and tweets. I really do not have anything additional to say on this,” he said.

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Asked about the claim in an Iranian readout that said that after Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian raised the issue of controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad with NSA Ajit Doval on Wednesday, the latter said that offenders will be dealt with in such a way that others will learn a lesson, Bagchi said: “My understanding is that what you are referring to in a readout has been pulled down.”

What’s happening at Ladakh border?

India also said it carefully monitors developments along its border areas, including the construction of infrastructure by the Chinese side in the eastern Ladakh sector.

The comments by External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi came in response to remarks by an American military commander that some of the defence infrastructures that China is creating near its border with India in Ladakh are “alarming”.

“The government is committed to and takes all adequate and appropriate measures to safeguard territorial integrity and sovereignty as the developments in recent years have clearly demonstrated,” Bagchi said.

He said the government had taken various measures in recent years to develop infrastructure along the border areas to not only meet India’s strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic developments of the areas.

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US Army’s Pacific Commanding General Charles A Flynn on Wednesday talked about the infrastructure development by China along its borders with India in the Ladakh sector, and called the Chinese activities in that region as “eye-opening”.

“As far as the current situation (in eastern Ladakh) is concerned, we have maintained continuous communication with the Chinese side both through diplomatic and military channels,” Bagchi said. He said India will maintain its dialogue with the Chinese side to resolve the remaining issues in eastern Ladakh.

(With Agency reports)