Source HT
NEW DELHI—India on Wednesday delivered a sharp rebuke to Pakistan over its criticism of the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, stating that a country with a “deeply stained record of bigotry” has “no moral standing to lecture others.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, strongly dismissed Pakistan’s statement, which had objected to the Dhwajarohan Utsav (flag-hoisting ceremony) attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, which marked the formal completion of the temple’s construction.
India Rejects Remarks with ‘Contempt’
Addressing a weekly media briefing, Jaiswal condemned Islamabad’s comments, which reportedly claimed the event was a part of increasing pressure on religious minorities and an effort to erase Muslim heritage in India.
“We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve,” Jaiswal stated. “As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others.”
He further advised Pakistan to focus on its domestic issues. “Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights record,” the spokesperson added.
Pakistan’s Criticism
The stern response from the MEA followed a statement from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, which had expressed “deep concern” over the flag-hoisting ceremony, arguing that the construction of the temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid reflected a “discriminatory approach” towards minorities in India.
The Ayodhya Ceremony
The event in question took place on Tuesday when Prime Minister Modi ceremonially hoisted a saffron-colored ‘Dharma Dhwaj’ (religious flag) atop the shikhar (spire) of the newly constructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The Prime Minister described the event, which was also attended by key religious and political leaders, as an “immensely moving experience.”
The temple’s completion and the subsequent ceremonies, including the recent flag-hoisting, are viewed by many in India as a moment of cultural and national pride, which India maintains is an internal matter.
