New York, 25 January 2024 (TDI): Ambassador Munir Akram during an OIC Ambassadorial meeting condemned the construction and consecration of the Ram Temple on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, India.
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram on Thursday participated in the Ambassadorial meeting of the OIC. The OIC Ambassadorial meeting was convened at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
During the meeting, Ambassador Akram raised the issue of the construction and consecration of the ‘Ram Temple’ on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya.
Furthermore, he also shared the contents of a letter he wrote to the Under Secretary General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Moratinos. The letter aimed to address the attention to the matter of safeguarding religious sites in India.
Babri Mosque, a centuries old symbol of religious and cultural heritage, was tragically demolished in 1992. Despite the reprehensible act, those responsible were not only acquitted but also allowed to construct a temple on the same site.
Ambassador’s Letter to Under Secretary General
In the letter written to the Under Secretary, the Ambassador stated that, the developments over the past 31 years, culminating in the recent consecration ceremony, are indicative of a disturbing rise in Hindu majoritarianism in India.
Moreover, this trend poses a significant threat to the social, economic, and political well-being of Indian Muslims, as well as to the harmony and peace in the region.
Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident, as other mosques, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura, face similar threats of desecration and destruction.
Particularly, the letter also added that, the statements of some Chief Ministers of Indian states linked such actions to territorial claims against Pakistan.
Furthermore, he added, “I am writing to seek your urgent intervention for the protection of religious sites in India. Under your esteemed leadership, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations must play a crucial role in safeguarding Islamic heritage sites and securing the rights of religious and cultural minorities in India.”
Also Read: Pakistan condemns Ayodhya ‘Ram Temple’ Construction
Moreover, he said that the Secretary General has entrusted you to implement the action plan for the protection of religious sites. The Ambassador urged you to expedite efforts to implement the action plan and ensure the safeguarding of religious sites in India.
Final Considerations
Consequently, the OIC Ambassadors acknowledged the importance of the issue. Some Ambassadors mentioned the attacks on mosques in some European countries.
In addition, the Palestine Permanent Representative mentioned the Israeli desecration at Al Aqsa and demolition of mosques and churches in the occupied territories. The meeting decided to include this issue on the agenda of the next OIC Ambassadorial meeting.
Abdul Momin Rasul is a contributing author on TDI
