The controversial remarks by the now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the ensuing protests have caused controversy in many parts of the world, including India. This time, Amnesty International issued a stern statement urging the Indian government not to target Muslims.

Recently, BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s (now suspended) controversial remarks in the media made India virtually isolated in the Arab world. Several countries have called on India’s ambassador to oppose the ruling party’s spokesman’s remarks. Indian goods were boycotted at multiple trade venues in West Asia.

Opposition and demonstrations started in the country as well. But the BJP-ruled states have been accused of taking “extra drastic” measures to quell the protests. This time, in that context, Amnesty International issued a strong statement.

The statement said, “Indian authorities must immediately put an end to the excessive use of force in response to large-scale protests in the country that has resulted in the death of at least 2 people, including a child, and in many others suffering injuries since last Friday. The Government of India is selectively and viciously cracking down on Muslims who dare to speak up and peacefully express their dissent against the discrimination faced by them.”

⚡️Indian authorities must immediately put an end to the excessive use of force in response to large scale protests in the country that has resulted in the death of at least 2 people, including a child, and in many others suffering injuries since last Friday.

— Amnesty International (@amnesty) June 14, 2022

It also added, “Presenting and treating all protesters, including peaceful ones, as a threat to public order is deeply worrying and is part of an alarming escalation of the states’ measures targeting Muslims.”

Incidentally, Amnesty International stopped working in India in 2020. Amnesty has been shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize for its exemplary work on human rights. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) shuts down all bank accounts and financial transactions, accusing the NGO of financial misconduct.

Questions were also raised about the transparency of foreign grants received by the organization. Soon after, Amnesty closed all its branches in India and fled the country.