India condemns abuse of Iraqi prisoners

Breaking its silence on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers, particularly inmates of Abu Ghraib jail, India on Tuesday termed such acts as 'abhorrent'.

Voicing New Delhi's 'concern' over the brutalities and indecent acts perpetrated by US soldiers, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh said, "There can be no condoning of such heinous acts."

Replying to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the situation in Iraq, he said, "Like the rest of the world, the government considers the ill-treatment and abuse of Iraqi prisoners abhorrent."

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India has noted the 'regret' expressed at the highest level by the US and the United Kingdom and intentions of their governments to take corrective and punitive steps through their military, administrative and legal system to prevent recurrence of such 'inexcusable practices', which 'violate human rights and humane behaviour'.

The minister said India was 'extremely concerned' at the violation of the sanctity of religious places in Iraq that are revered by millions of people all over the world, including India.