India on Tuesday, 3 March, summoned the Iranian Ambassador to India, Ali Chegeni, and lodged a “strong protest against the unwarranted remarks” made by the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on the recent violence in Delhi.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “It was conveyed that his selective and tendentious characterisation of recent events in Delhi are not acceptable. We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran."
Foreign Minister Zarif had on Monday urged Indian authorities to ensure the well-being of all Indians and not let "senseless thuggery prevail.”
"Iran condemns the wave of organised violence against Indian Muslims. For centuries, Iran has been a friend of India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the wellbeing of ALL Indians & not let senseless thuggery prevail. Path forward lies in peaceful dialogue and rule of law," Zarif tweeted.
MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had also recently said that law enforcement agencies were working on the ground to prevent violence and ensure restoration of confidence and normalcy.
Kumar has urged international bodies not to make irresponsible statements at this sensitive time.
The communal violence over the amended citizenship law in Delhi has claimed at least 47 lives. Mobs torched vehicles, houses and shops, and pelted stones during the violence in northeast Delhi last week.
(With inputs PTI.)
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