The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed concerns over controversial Citizenship Act in India.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said that it is closely following the recent development affecting the Muslim population in India.

The Islamic body said in a statement that it was concerned with the issues pertaining to the recently amended Citizenship Act and the Supreme Court verdict on the Babri Masjid case. The OIC asked the authorities to ensure the safety of the Muslim minorities and protection of holy places of Islam in India.

The statement further said, “The General Secretariat reaffirms the crucial importance of upholding the principles and obligations enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and relevant international covenants that guarantee the rights of minorities without any discrimination.”

In this regard, any action, contrary to these principles and obligations, may lead to further tensions and may have serious implications on peace and security across the region, it said.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations, with the membership of 57 states, covering four continents. The OIC is the collective voice of the Muslim world to ensure and safeguard their interest on economic socio and political areas. The OIC has Institutions, which implement its programmes. Its Headquarters is in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.