The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday slammed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its "communal mindset" and "anti-India agenda". Responding to the media queries about statement made by the OIC Secretariat on Ram Navami violence, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We strongly condemn the statement issued by OIC Secretariat today regarding India. This is one more example of their communal mindset and anti-India agenda."

"OIC only does its reputation damage by being consistently manipulated by anti-India forces," Bagchi added. 

India's strong response came hours after the OIC General Secretary released a letter condemning the acts of violence which took place in different parts of the country during the Ram Navami celebrations. 

"The OIC General Secretary denounces such provocative acts of violence and vandalism, which are vivid manifestation of mounting Islamophobia and systemic targeting of the Muslim community in India. The OIC General Secretary calls upon the Indian authorities to take firm actions against the instigators and perpetrators of such acts and to ensure the safety, security, rights and dignity of the Muslim community in the country," the letter read.

The inter-governmental organisation also pointed out the violence during Ram Navami processions in Bihar Sharif, which led to the vandalisation of a madrasa and its library by a mob on March 31.

Several clashes were reported in many states of the country during Ram Navami celebrations on March 31 and afterwards. States such as Bihar and West Bengal saw large scale violence with the mob pelting stones and setting vehicles on fire.

(With inputs from agencies)