Hijab row: India lashes out at 'communal mindset' of OIC

The Indian government has dismissed “misleading” remarks made by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the hijab dress row, saying it only exposed the communal mindset of the OIC Secretariat.

“Issues in India are considered and resolved in accordance with our constitutional framework and mechanisms, as well as democratic ethos and polity,” the external affairs ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said. He was responding to a question on comments by the OIC general secretariat regarding the controversy about the wearing of the scarf (hijab) by Muslim girls in schools. The OIC had asked India to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of the Muslim community while protecting the way of life of its members.

“The communal mindset of the OIC Secretariat does not allow for a proper appreciation of these realities. OIC continues to be hijacked by vested interests to further their nefarious propaganda against India,” he added

“As a result, it has only harmed its own reputation,” he said.

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