Islamabad: Foreign Office (FO) while condemning the incidents of vandalism on the occasion of Christmas in India has said persecution of minorities is matter of grave concern.

FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has said we condemn the incidents of violence in India on the occasion of Christmas . Such incidents took place in India on the eve of Christmas under government patronage.

He said Muslims are being targeted in India under state sponsorship .

The houses of Muslims are being demolished in India. The sense of fear and alienation had further deepened among Muslims due to such incidents.

He held international community should take notice of incidents of violence against the minorities in India. International community should take proper steps for safeguarding the basic rights of minorities in India.

It is pertinent to mention here Indian media has said in its report the Christmas ceremonies were targeted by extremist elements affiliated with Hindutwa in different parts of India on December 25 . Religious ceremonies of Christains were interrupted at several places and the decoration was damaged.