January 29, 2003	Wednesday	Ziqa’ad 25,1423

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 28: The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Monday rejected Vishwa Hindu Prishad’s (VHP) bid to gain consultative status with the organization.

The VHP had applied for a status as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with the support from the Indian government — a member of ECOSOC. The application was under consideration by the Council for past several years.

However, at a meeting of ECOSOC held to consider NGO applications, Pakistan’s delegate and vice-chairman of the committee pointed out that the ideology, pronouncements and activities of the VHP were diametrically opposed to the charter principles and work of the United Nations which was established to “save the mankind from scourge of war”.

He told the committee that while the United Nations upholds the rights of minorities and respect for their religious sites, the VHP has launched a hate-based campaign against India’s Muslim and Christian minorities.

He recalled the hardline group’s leading role in demolishing Babri mosque and attack on churches.