India distances itself from SCO statement condemning Israeli strikes on Iran
New Delhi: India has formally dissociated itself from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement that strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran. The SCO, of which Iran is also a member, termed the attacks a violation of international law and the UN Charter. However, India clarified it had not participated in the decision-making process and issued a separate statement reflecting its own stance.
The SCO statement, issued earlier on June 14, described Israel’s June 13 strikes as “aggressive actions against civilian targets” and a “gross violation” of Iran’s sovereignty, resulting in civilian casualties and threatening global peace. It specifically referred to damage to Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and the killing of 78 people, including senior security officials and top nuclear negotiator Ali Shamkhani.
While the SCO made no mention of dissent from any member, India simultaneously released a statement stating that it did not participate in the discussions regarding the condemnation. “India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted. “Our position was shared with member states in advance.”
India reiterated its call for restraint and diplomacy. “We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation,” the MEA stated. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke to his Iranian counterpart, expressing global concerns and urging both nations to return to diplomatic efforts and avoid further escalation.
India’s reaction to the growing conflict has been notably cautious. On Friday, it had expressed being “deeply concerned” about the developments between Iran and Israel. A day earlier, India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, reversing its previous support for a similar resolution six months ago.
In contrast, several other Asian countries reacted more forcefully to the Israeli strikes:
Japan’s foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya condemned Israel’s actions as “completely unacceptable,” particularly in light of ongoing diplomatic talks between Iran and the US.
China, which currently chairs the SCO, described the Israeli attacks as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and called for restraint.
South Korea expressed “deep concern” and condemned actions that destabilize the region.
Indonesia, which does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel, called the strikes “unlawful” and a violation of international law.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a strong condemnation, stating the attack was aimed at sabotaging US-Iran nuclear negotiations and deflecting attention from Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Other countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore, issued more muted responses, with Singapore simply urging restraint.
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BJP accuses Karnataka govt of 'failing' to prevent noise pollution caused by 'azaan'
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Members of the Opposition BJP on Tuesday slammed the Karnataka government for not taking measures to prevent the alleged noise pollution caused by 'azaan', the Islamic call to prayer.
BJP MLC D S Arun raised the issue in the Legislative Council during the question hour, accusing the ruling Congress of "appeasement" by failing to take action against mosques that are violating the Supreme Court's directives.
Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre, responding to the question, said, as per the directives of the Supreme Court in sensitive zones, the noise level should not exceed 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night, and in residential areas, 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
In commercial areas, the noise should not exceed 65 decibels during the day, 55 at night, and in industrial areas, 75 during the day and at night 70 decibels, he said.
Pointing out that the Karnataka government had issued an order in 2022, assigning responsibility to a committee headed by a DySPs or ACPs for the effective implementation of the rules, the minister said when a complaint is received about noise pollution, the Pollution Control Board will inspect it and provide information about the decibel level to the police to take further action, including filing of criminal cases.
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"Not only during azaan, but also during bhajans held in temples and marriage events, among others, the violations happen. There is a need to spread awareness. The Supreme Court has ordered against bursting firecrackers, but it is being violated. Efforts will be made to implement the rules effectively," he said.
Several BJP MLAs, including Arun, Bharathi Shetty, among others, were not satisfied with the minister's reply. They took strong exception to it.
Arun noted that in the last three years, only 52 cases have been taken, and said there are clear violations by almost all mosques, but no action has been taken. "The decibels have in fact increased under this government. The government is giving protection to them."
Reacting to this, Khandre, calling it a "sensitive matter", said, "It is not right to politicise the issue. The law of this land is equal for everyone."
Hitting back, Arun asked, "Why is the matter sensitive? What is preventing you (the government) from implementing the Supreme Court directives?"
