India slams Pakistan on 'unwarranted' and 'gratuitous' comments on Ayodhya verdict

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday came out with a statement condemning Pakistan's comments on Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict.

India called Pakistan's comment "unwarranted and gratuitous," adding that the matter is completely "internal to India".

"It pertains to rule of law and equal respect for all faiths, concepts that aren't part of their ethos. So, while Pakistan's lack of comprehension isn't surprising, their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with obvious intent of spreading hatred is condemnable," MEA noted as reported by news agency ANI.

"We reject the unwarranted and gratuitous comments made by Pakistan on judgement of Supreme Court on a civil matter that is completely internal to India," the statement added. 

Pakistan foreign affairs minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told Dawn News if the verdict could not have waited a few days. "I am deeply saddened at the insensitivity shown at such a joyous occasion (Kartarpur Corridor opening)," Qureshi said. 

He said that Pakistan would issue a response after going over the judgement in detail.

Pakistan's minister for science and technology, Fawad Hussain, tweeted out saying that the Ayodhya verdict marks a "sad day for India and a black day for Indian Judiciary". 

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the verdict and said that the "people of India have accepted the verdict with an open heart".

PM Modi said that the country is known for its ethos of "unity in diversity" and the acceptance of the verdict today illustrates the same ethos. 

"Today, India has added a golden chapter in its history with the announcement of this historic judgement," the prime minister said adding that the verdict was a "unanimous decision".