India rushing to quell outrage after insulting remarks on Islam

MUMBAI, June 6 Reuters - India’s government sought on Monday to calm anger at home and abroad after two officials of the ruling BJP party made remarks about the Prophet Mohammed, with 38 people arrested for rioting in a northern city and a protest planned later in Mumbai.   

India’s top officials are now engaged in managing the diplomatic fallout as nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran demanded an apology from the government for allowing the derogatory remarks.  

 “These insults come in the context of the increasing intensity in hatred of and insults to Islam in India and the systematic harassment of Muslims.” the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commented.  

India’s foreign ministry said that the offensive tweets and comments made by the officials did not, in any way, reflect the views of the government. “Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies” it said.