New Delhi: The Iranian Ambassador to India, Ali Chegeni, was “summoned” by the Ministry of External Affairs Tuesday over the remarks made by the country’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on the Delhi communal riots.
According to official sources, Chegeni was summoned by Deepak Mittal, joint secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran), Ministry of External Affairs, and “a strong protest was lodged at the comments” made by Zarif on “matters internal to India”.
Zarif had Monday condemned the communal riots that raged in New Delhi last week and had urged the Modi government to “not let senseless thuggery prevail”.
“Iran condemns the wave of organised violence against Indian Muslims,” Zarif had tweeted. “For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail.”
The foreign minister also said the “path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law”.
Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims.
For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail.
Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 2, 2020
US senator slams India over violence
The Delhi communal riots that claimed 42 lives and resulted in massive property damage in the north-eastern part of the national capital, have invited international criticism for the Modi government.
Last week, US Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote to the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, calling the incident “tragic” and something that “could have been prevented”.
“The Modi government must immediately take action to ensure that the police are dutifully protecting all citizens, regardless of their faith,” Hollen wrote in his letter. “In addition, the government should recognise the harmful impact of Citizenship Amendment Act and other measures aimed at India’s Muslim minority.”
He also urged President Donald Trump to seek information on “religious discrimination” in India.
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