India abstained from voting on the proposal related to ‘Islamophobia’, expressed objection on the mention of Ram Temple – Dainik Savera Times

United Nations: India distanced itself from the draft resolution on ‘Islamophobia’ in the UN General Assembly tabled by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China, saying instead of just one religion, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and other religions face violence and discrimination. The prevalence of religious fear against India must also be acknowledged. During this time, when Pakistan’s envoy mentioned the Ram temple located in Ayodhya, India expressed strong objection. On Friday, the 193-member General Assembly approved a resolution introduced by Pakistan on measures to combat Islamophobia. 115 countries voted in favor of the resolution, none opposed and 44 countries including India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine and Britain abstained.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj has condemned all acts motivated by anti-Semitism, ‘Christophobia’ and Islamophobia (prejudice against Islam). He said it is important to acknowledge that this kind of ‘phobia’ (prejudice) extends beyond the Abrahamic religions. Explaining India’s position on the resolution, he said clear evidence shows that for decades, followers of non-Abrahamic religions have also been affected by religious prejudice. This has led to the rise of contemporary forms of religious prejudice, particularly anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist and anti-Sikh.

Kamboj said that the issue of Islamophobia is undoubtedly important, but we must acknowledge that other religions are also facing discrimination and violence. Allocating resources solely to combat Islamophobia while ignoring the similar challenges faced by other religions may inadvertently perpetuate a sense of exclusion and inequality. He said it is important to acknowledge that Hinduism, with more than 1.2 billion followers worldwide, Buddhism, with more than 535 million followers, and Sikhism, with more than 30 million followers, are all facing the challenge of religious prejudice. It is time we acknowledged the prevalence of religious prejudice against all religions rather than just one religion.

During this, Pakistan’s ambassador Munir Akram also mentioned the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act. Objecting to this, Kamboj said, it is really unfortunate to be faced with the limited and misguided view of this (Pakistani delegation) on matters related to my country. (The delegation) raised this issue in the General Assembly especially at a time when it was considering a matter in which all members were expected to present an informed, in-depth and global perspective. Perhaps the delegation has not mastered it.