Prophet row rages as 15 countries denounce remarks by BJP leaders

The controversy over BJP leader Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal’s remarks against Prophet Mohammad continues to deepen despite India’s attempts to placate offended Islamic nations, with at least 15 countries protesting against the comments.

Countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Jordan, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Maldives, Libya and Indonesia have denounced the remarks made by the BJP leaders, with many of them demanding public apologies.

The BJP has suspended Sharma and Jindal and the foreign ministry has issued a statement clarifying that their remarks do not reflect the views of the government.

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The opposition, however, has demanded the government to initiate legal actions against the “offenders” for allegedly ruining the international image of the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE, latest of the nations to condemn the controversial remarks, in a statement said that it rejects “all practices and behaviours that contradict moral and human values and principles,” adding that it believes in respecting religious symbols and not violating them as well as in confronting hate speech and violence.

Indonesia summoned the Indian ambassador in Jakarta to convey its disappointment with the “unacceptable derogatory remarks” by the BJP leaders.

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The Maldives also said that it “condemns all and any action that purports to prevent the true nature and teachings of Islam” as well as attempts to demean the Prophet. It, however, appreciated the prompt steps taken by the BJP against the erring politicians.