TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has appealed to the Indonesian government (RI) not to remain silent but rather take an immediate stand on the issue of discrimination against Muslims in India.

"Indonesia should not remain silent. It (the government) should echo the aspirations of Indonesian Muslims," MUI Deputy Chairman H Muhyiddin Junaidi said in Jakarta Tuesday. Moreover, the two countries have established longstanding relations. The friendship between the two nations is quite good. Hence, the Indonesian government should use state diplomacy to solve the issue, he said.

"We should summon the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia to clarify what has happened," he said.

MUI feared if the issue went unheeded it may adversely affect harmony among adherents of different faith and trigger a conflict in other countries. For example, Hindus in other countries may be discriminated against, he said.

"We appeal to the Indian government to review its Citizenship Amendment Act," he said.

The Act discriminates against Muslims, while on the other hand, India is a democratic country, MUI opined.

Besides, India should uphold the law against those involved in the assassination of Muslims in the country.

Hindus in Indonesia receive the same treatment as Muslims in terms of right and obligation without discrimination, he said. Muslims in Indonesia can co-exist peacefully with other faiths.

The MUI Advisory Council was unequivocal in denouncing a barbaric attack on Muslims in India that killed tens of innocent people and caused serious damage to a mosque.

"We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the barbaric act of violence that reflects real extremism and gross violation of human rights," the council noted in a press statement signed by its chairman Prof. Dr. Din Syamsudin on Monday.

ANTARA