FO condemns online harassment of Muslim women in India

Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) condemned on Tuesday the harassment and insult of Muslim women on the internet and "purpose-built online applications in India," saying that such despicable acts are totally unacceptable.

"In a completely obnoxious and repugnant act, aimed at humiliating, harassing and insulting Muslim women, their doctored images have been placed on the internet application with outrageous captions for 'auction'. Hate-mongering followers of such applications attacked the dignity of nearly 100 influential Muslim women by 'bidding' on them with deeply offensive remarks," the FO statement said.

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The statement further noted that the development is the "newest low" in the violent streak of hate attacks against minorities in India whereby cyberspace – with purpose-built online platforms and social media – has been used yet again, to demean and harass women, particularly Muslim women, to create a feeling of fear and shame amongst the Muslim community.

"These horrifying occurrences have left Muslim women traumatized and in deep fear," it said.

The FO statement highlighted that under the "Hindutva-inspired BJP-RSS combine dispensation" in New Delhi, space for minorities particularly Muslims is continuously shrinking in India.

"It is reprehensible that no action has been taken against the perpetrators of similar abhorrent acts six months ago auctioning dozens of influential Muslim women in India on a social media platform," the statement added.

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The FO said that the deafening silence of the BJP leadership and absence of discernible action against "Hindutva" proponents openly calling for the genocide of Muslims should send alarm bells across the international community about the gross and systematic human rights violations of minorities particularly Muslims in India.

"Pakistan reiterates its calls on the international community, particularly the United Nations and relevant international human rights and humanitarian organizations to fulfill their responsibilities to stop the rising xenophobia, Islamophobia, and violent attacks against minorities in India and ensure their safety, security, and well-being," it said.