LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1662
TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.02.2019
HINDUS IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES
†1662. SHRI GOPAL SHETTY:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Hindus residing in certain Muslim countries are not allowed to perform their religious ceremonies such as funeral rites, puja, etc.;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the names of such countries;
(c) whether the Government has raised the said issue with these countries; and
(d) if so, the outcome thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) to (d) Performance of religious rites is governed by local laws and regulations of the country concerned. As per information available with the Ministry, Hindus residing in most countries, including in Muslim countries, are allowed to perform their religious
ceremonies such as funeral rites, puja, etc. However, in some countries, pujas, prayers, etc. is not allowed in public but can be performed within private premises, in compliance with local laws. Some Islamic countries do not have facilities for cremation,
while some like Egypt, Jordan and Turkey do not allow local cremations.
In Saudi Arabia, funeral ceremony in respect of Hindus, including non-Muslims, residing there is not permissible. However, disposal of mortal remains of non-Muslims is permitted only by burial at some designated places in Saudi Arabia.
Whenever the Government learns about the problems being faced by the minority communities, including Hindus, the matter is raised with the concerned authorities in foreign countries urging action to protect rights of the minorities.
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