Pakistan strongly denounces Indian Minister’s remarks to reclaim Sindhu

Islamabad, 9 October 2023 (TDI): The Foreign Office of Pakistan strongly denounced an Indian minister’s “reckless” comments about reclaiming Sindhu, portraying them as a reflection of India’s revisionist and expansionist stance on Monday.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a controversial statement, suggesting that Pakistan’s Indus region could be “reclaimed” similar to how the birthplace of Lord Rama was “recaptured” during the demolition of the Babri Mosque.

“If Ram Janmabhoomi can be taken back after 500 years then there is no reason why Sindhu can’t taken back,” Yogi said during a National Sindhi Convention hosted by the Sindhi Council of India.

In response to media inquiries about the statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, expressed strong condemnation for the highly irresponsible comments made by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, who holds a prominent position within India’s ruling establishment and adheres to the divisive Hindutva ideology.

“These remarks manifest a revisionist and expansionist mindset that seeks to subjugate the identity and culture of India’s neighboring countries and its religious minorities. They also reflect a perverse view of history,” the spokesperson said.

The Foreign Office spokesperson also denounced the reference to the so-called reclamation of “Ram Janmabhoomi” by the Indian minister, citing it as a model for reclaiming a region within Pakistan, and deemed this comparison equally condemnable.

“History bears witness that a Hindu supremacist mob had brazenly demolished the historic Babri Mosque on 6 December 1992 to take back the claimed birthplace of Lord Rama in Ayodhya,” said Mumtaz Baloch.

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The spokesperson emphasized that the Chief Minister’s provocative comments draw inspiration from the unwarranted concept of “Akhand Bharat” (undivided India).

“It is a matter of grave concern that such ideas are being increasingly peddled by individuals belonging to the BJP-RSS (Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) combine to further their divisive and parochial political agenda,” she added.

The Foreign Office spokesperson urged Indian leaders to seek resolution of disputes with neighboring nations and collaborate in establishing a peaceful and prosperous South Asia, rather than fostering “hegemonic and expansionist ambitions.”