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OIC denounces violence against Muslims on Ram Navami in Bihar, other states; India reacts

A video screengrab of a violence in Bengal's Howrah following Ram Navami processions on April 1, 2023.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has denounced acts of violence against Muslims in several Indian states.

A statement issued in Jeddah said the OIC has followed with deep concern the acts of violence and vandalism targeting Muslim community in several states in India during the Ram Navami processions, including the burning of a madrasa and library by Hindu mob in Bihar on 31st of last month.

It said the OIC denounces such provocative acts of violence and vandalism, which are a vivid manifestation of mounting Islamophobia and systemic targeting of the Muslim community in India.

The OIC called upon the Indian authorities to take firm actions against the instigators and perpetrators of such acts and to ensure the safety, security, rights, and dignity of the Muslim community in the country.

Last week, 77 people were arrested in connection with the violence that erupted in Bihar Sharif in the State’s Nalanda district during Ram Navami festivities, the police said on Sunday.

Report by citizen-lawyer collective highlights how routes chosen for religious processions trigger communal riots, The Hindu reported.

Prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 144 of the CrPC in the area. Internet services were suspended in the district and the ban is expected to be in place for the next 48 hours. One person died in fresh violence on Saturday evening, the police said.

“So far, 77 people have been arrested and 12 FIRs lodged. A flag march was conducted to maintain peace in the area. Adequate paramilitary personnel have been deployed to control the situation,” said Nalanda Superintendent of Police Ashok Mishra.

Meanwhile, India’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that OIC showed an “anti-India agenda” by saying that last week’s violent clashes during a Hindu religious festival targeted the Muslim community.

Indian was responding to the OIC’s statement earlier on Tuesday which called on Indian authorities to take firm action against those involved in the violence.

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