Nupur Sharma’s
comment about Prophet Mohammed that caused a stir in Gulf nations attracted the
condemnation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC. The OIC’s
response, saying that Nupur Sharma’s comment came in “a context of intensifying
hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against
Muslims,” was snubbed by the Indian establishment.

Also Read | How ‘fringe’ are BJP’s anti-Muslim views

India’s foreign
ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India “categorically rejects OIC Secretariat’s
unwarranted and narrow-minded comments. The government of India accords the
highest respect to all religions.”

The OIC,
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, is an intergovernmental grouping of
largely Islamic nations. OIC calls itself “the collective voice of the Muslim
world.”

“The offensive tweets
and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain
individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the government of
India. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant
bodies,” said Bagchi.

Also Read | Nupur Sharma ‘takes words back’ after suspension over Prophet comments

Nupur Sharma, BJP’s
national spokesperson, now removed, had made some comments on Prophet Mohammed
during a television news debate. Naveen Jindal, BJP’s now-former media chief,
had also posted a tweet which he then deleted. Both comments drew condemnation
from across the Muslim world, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and
Pakistan. Sharma has since withdrawn her remarks.

India, responding
to the criticism, had said that the opinions voiced by Sharma and Jindal did
not reflect the views of the Indian government. However, OIC’s remarks seemed
to have attracted an enraged response.

“It is regrettable
that OIC Secretariat has yet again chosen to make motivated, misleading and
mischievous comments. This only exposes its divisive agenda being pursued at
the behest of vested interests,” the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson said.

“We would urge the
OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to
all faiths and religions.”