In an oblique reference to Pakistan, the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj exhorted the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nations to urge states indulging in Terror activities to dismantle their networks, and stop financing and harboring elements that pose a grave security threat for the region.
EAM Sushma Swaraj at OIC conclave: If we want to save humanity, we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing shelter and funding to the terror organisations based in that country. pic.twitter.com/hlNZaAH7wl
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019
Addressing the inaugural plenary at the OIC conclave, Sushma Swaraj expressed her gratitude on being invited as the ‘Guest of Honour’ for the venerable conclave. She drew a similarity between India and the OIC nations by asserting how these countries attained their quest for dignity and freedom around the same time and how they have stood in solidarity with each other during trying times. She further highlighted how India has been a beacon of peace, home to several religions and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Drawing attention to the menace of Terrorism, Swaraj asserted that Terrorism is rapidly spreading its insidious claws, causing irreparable damages to human life and wreaking havoc in society. She further proclaimed that Terrorism in each case is motivated by the distortion of religion. She asserted that all the religions in the world advocate peace. Emphasizing her point, Swaraj cited a Sanskrit saying from Rig Veda-“Ekam sat vipara bahudha vadhanti” which translates into-“God is one but learned men call him in many ways.”
Swaraj lauded Indian Muslims for rejecting the vicious propaganda of extremist and radical ideologies. “The deeply entrenched pluralist culture of harmony and co-existence has ensured that very few Muslims have fallen victim to poisonous propaganda of radical extremists,” she declared.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who was slated to attend the conclave refused to be part of it because the OIC did not pay attention to Pakistan’s demand of canceling the invitation extended to his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj. Pakistan has been accused by India of supporting and fostering Terror groups inimical to India, which carry out terror attacks in India. Pulwama attack, which claimed 40 lives of CRPF personnel, was carried out by Pak-based Jaish-e-Muhammad.
