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New Delhi: A ceremonial flag hoisting at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked a sharp diplomatic exchange, with India delivering a stinging rebuke to Pakistan's critical remarks. Pakistan accused India of "discrimination towards minorities" and attempts to "eradicate Muslim culture and heritage".
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was swift and unsparing in its response. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal vehemently rejected Pakistan's assertions, stating, "We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others." Jaiswal didn't mince words, adding, "Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights record."
The contentious verbal volley began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially unfurled a saffron flag atop the spire of the grand Ram temple on Tuesday. This act symbolised the culmination of the temple's construction, which was unveiled in January 2024.
The temple carried immense religious weight within the Sanatan tradition, where hoisting a flag on a temple spire is considered a most sacred act. The striking right-angled triangular flag, measuring an impressive 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length, bore the image of a radiant Sun.
However, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs seized upon the occasion to launch a broadside against India. It called upon the international community to take "cognisance of rising Islamophobia, hate speech and hate-motivated attacks" in India, urging bodies like the United Nations to play a "constructive role in safeguarding Islamic heritage."
The Dhwajarohan ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and thousands of attendees. Addressing the gathering, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the magnitude of the event, describing it as a moment of "immense historical, emotional and spiritual significance" and the "realisation of centuries of collective aspiration, sacrifice and struggle."
