Khamenei urges Delhi to stop Muslims' killing.

Byline: Baqir Sajjad Syed

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan on Thursday praised Iran's SupAreme Leader Ayatollah KhamAenei for denouncing violence against Muslims in India, but Prime Minister Imran Khan also regretted the general silence on the issue in the Muslim world.

Through tweets in English, Urdu, Persian, French and Arabic, Ayatollah Khamenei condemned last week's violence against Muslims in Delhi in which 46 people, mostly Muslims, lost their lives and a large number of properties owned by Muslims and mosques were damaged.

'The hearts of Muslims all over the world are grieving over the massacre of Muslims in India. The govt of India should confront extremist Hindus and their parties and stop the massacre of Muslims in order to prevent India's isolation from the world of Islam,' Ayatollah Khamenei tweeted in English along with the hashtag #IndianMuslimslnDanger.

Iran's supreme leader has in the past also criticised human rights violations in occupied Kashmir. He last issued a statement on Kashmir after its annexation by India in August 2019. He had on that occasion urged the Indian government 'to adopt a just policy towards the noble people of Kashmir and prevent the oppression and bullying of Muslims in this region'.

Imran praises Iranian leader for denouncing violence against Muslims in India

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had condemned, what he called, the 'organised violence' against Muslims in India and 'senseless thuggery'. He had asked the Indian government to ensure 'well-being of all Indians' and 'rule of law', while addressing the situation through 'peaceful dialogue'.

Mr Zarif's statement drew sharp reaction from the Indian government, which summoned Iranian envoy in Delhi Ali Chegeni for lodging a protest. Indian External Affairs Ministry had rejected FM Zarif's statement as 'totally uncalled for', 'unacceptable', interference in India's 'internal matters' and a 'selective and tendentious characterisation of recent events in Delhi'.

It should be recalled that very few countries spoke against the violence perpetrated by Hindu extremists against Muslims with Indian government's tacit support. Besides Iran, only Turkey from among the Muslim countries has condemned the attacks.

The involvement of Indian government in the Feb 23 attacks and encouragement of the assailants has been too obvious. Police either stood by or escorted the mobs during the attacks.

A video clip in which injured Muslim men were forced by policemen...