Pak. statement triggers political slugfest as BJP tries to link it to Kogilu

A statement by Pakistan’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the alleged ‘persecution of minorities in India’ has become fodder for heated political debate in Karnataka, with the BJP linking it to the demolitions in Kogilu.

In a statement by the Spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country said: “Persecution of minorities in India is a matter of deep concern. State-sponsored campaigns against Muslims, including the demolition of their homes and repeated lynchings, as well as the recent reprehensible incidents of vandalism during Christmas, particularly the case of Muhammad Akhlaq, where the State sought to shield the accused from accountability, have deepened fear and alienation among Muslims…”.

Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded by saying: “We reject the reported statements of a country whose abysmal record on this front speaks for itself. Pakistan’s appalling and systematic victimization of minorities of various faiths is a well-known fact. No amount of finger pointing can obscure this.”

Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashok said: “Pakistan’s statement referred to the Kogilu Order incident. He alleged that the Congress government was practicing ‘minority appeasement’, a charge Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar denied.

To a question about Pakistan MEA’s statement, Mr. Shivakumar said senior national leaders will respond to it.