We condemn BJP officials' comment on prophet: US state department

Washington: The US on Thursday broke its silence on BJP officials' remarks on Prophet Muhammad that sparked protests across Muslim world.

The State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that the US condemn offensive comments made by two BJP officials, according to the news agency AFP

Ned Prices also said the US was glad that BJP publicly condemned those comments.

The US, Ned Price said, regularly engage with India on human right concerns including freedom of religion or belief.

He also said that the US encourage India to promote respect for human rights.

Comments made by BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal sparked uproar in Muslim countries with at least a few asking India to apologise.

Arab nations in close ties with India were unanimous in condemning the BJP officials' remarks on Prophet Muhammad.

In Bangladesh, protesters have demanded a formal condemnation from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of India, AFP reported.

In order to salvage the situation, the BJP suspended both the controversial leaders Nupur Sharma as and Naveen Kumar Jindal.

The USA post the Cold War period deepened its ties with India, to counter the perceived challenge of an emerging China.

However, the US administration never waits before voicing concerns about alleged targeting of minorities.

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