MEA refutes Turkish President, UK Foreign Office comments about Delhi violence, CAA

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs refuted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the United Kingdom's junior foreign minister Nigel Adams for their "irresponsible" comments over violence in the national capital when it is going through a "sensitive time".

Asked about comments by Adams on the violence in Delhi, Kumar said the situation in the capital is fast returning to normal
Asked about comments by Adams on the violence in Delhi, Kumar said the situation in the capital is fast returning to normal. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Erdogan's comments were "factually inaccurate" and driven by his "political agenda" after the Turkish president had severely criticised India for the communal clashes in Delhi.

Kumar said India had made a strong demarche on the matter with the Turkish Ambassador in the capital. 

"The comments are factually inaccurate and are driven by his political agenda. We do not expect such irresponsible statements from a Head of State," Kumar said.

On the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights approaching the Supreme Court against the citizenship amendment law, Kumar said it is now for the top court to decide on the issue.

Asked about comments by Adams on the violence in Delhi, Kumar said the situation in the capital is fast returning to normal and that law enforcement agencies are doing their best to restore confidence and ensure that law and order is maintained.

"Prime Minister has appealed for peace and brotherhood. Senior officials have visited the place of violence, peace committees have been formed and other steps have been taken in this direction," he said.

"At this sensitive time, we would urge people not to make any irresponsible comments and not to be influenced by selective and unsubstantiated narrative on the matter," he said.

Adams, the UK's Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), had replied to a question on the recent violence in India posed by Pakistani-origin Opposition Labour Party MP Khalid Mahmood in the House of Commons, stating that the British government is concerned over the potential impact of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India.

The national capital witnessed violence last week following clashes between supporters and those opposing CAA. According to authorities, at least 42 people were killed in the violence.