NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday described as "improper" Pope Benedict XVI's remarks on Islam made earlier this week.

"The Pope's statement hurt the sentiments of the followers of a different religion," party spokesman Prakash Javadekar told reporters here. All religious leaders should refrain from commenting on other religions.

"The religious leaders should also realise that when they speak about the Ayodhya temple issue, it hurts Hindus as well," Mr. Javadekar said.

The All-India Congress Committee has appealed to Muslims to maintain peace and not allow anyone to create a law and order problem in the wake of the papal statement. It has suggested that protest letters be sent to the Pope instead of holding demonstrations.

Anees Durrani, secretary, AICC Minority Department, said the Pope should have been more careful in his remarks as love and respect were an inseparable part of the Muslim faith. "I appeal to my Muslim brethren to maintain peace and harmony as some mischievous elements in society are already trying hard to brand all Muslims terrorists.

"While registering and expressing our feelings, we must take care that anti-social elements do not use this occasion for their nefarious ends," Mr. Durrani said, adding the Pope's remarks hurt the feelings of Muslims throughout the world.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad have decided not to get into the controversy, saying it was a sensitive matter.

Shahid Siddiqui, Rajya Sabha member and Samajwadi Party national general secretary asked the Government to officially condemn the Pope's "anti-Islam" statement and recall the Ambassador to the Vatican City.

In a statement here, he said the Pope's remarks hurt not only the sentiments of Muslims in India but also followers of all other religions.

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