Remarks against Prophet row: Protests erupt across India against Nupur Sharma

Nupur Sharma. File Pic

Protests erupted across various parts of the country demanding the arrest of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

A massive protest took place at Delhi's Jama Masjid after Friday prayers when people began protesting against the inflammatory statements. The Delhi police said they have identified some miscreants and legal action would be taken against those behind the protest.

Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central district, Shweta Chauhan said, "We brought the situation under control within 10-15 minutes. Protests were held on the streets without any permission so legal action will be taken."

"Almost 1,500 people had gathered in Jama Masjid for Friday prayers. After the prayers, nearly 300 people came out and started protesting over the inflammatory remarks by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal," she added.

According to the police, some of the miscreants behind today's protest in Delhi have been identified.

Shahi Imam, Jama Masjid, had said earlier in the day, "No call for protest given by Masjid. We don't know who are the ones protesting, I think they belong to AIMIM or are Owaisi's people. We made it clear that if they want to protest, they can, but we will not support them,"

Several incidents of violence, including sloganeering and stone-pelting, were reported during protests in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed to take strict action against 'anti-social elements' after clashes were reported in Prayagaraj between police and protesters.

"The CM has given liberty and clear instructions to the officials to take stringent action against anti-social elements. Those who take the law into their hands will be taught strict lessons," said the UP CMO.

A total of 109 arrests were made so far in connection with the protest, Additional Director General of Police, Law and order, said.

Also read: Only BJP responsible for threats by Al-Qaeda: Shiv Sena on row over remarks against Prophet

In Maharashtra, In Maharashtra, women carried out a protest march in Navi Mumbai. A large number of people were also seen holding a protest march in Solapur.

Members of a Mumbai-based Islamic organisation, Raza Academy, staged a demonstration at Muslim Chowk in Kalaburagi against the controversial remarks of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

Meanwhile, in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, vehicles were torched and vandalised, and injuries were reported amid incidents of stone-pelting at several places.

DIG Ranchi Anish Gupta told ANI, "The situation is a little tense but under control. We are making all efforts from our end. Heavy security deployment is done. Senior officials are also present at the spot. We are making all efforts to see that the crowd is dispersed from here." Curfew has been imposed in Ranchi after the protests turned violent.

Similar protests were held in West Bengal. A huge crowd gathered at Howrah to protest against Sharma and Jindal over their controversial remarks.

Various parts of Punjab also witnessed protests over the inflammatory remarks. "After the protest call by Ludhiana Jama Masjid, protests were held across Punjab demanding the arrest of those who disrespected the Prophet," said Shahi Imaam of Ludhiana Jama Masjid.

Protests were also staged against Sharma after Friday prayers at Aziziya Masjid at Mehdipatnam junction in Hyderabad, where around 200 people had gathered. Protesters were seen with placards during the protest at Mehdipatnam. Security has been beefed up to prevent any untoward incidents.People in several parts of Gujarat and Bihar also held protests against Sharma's remarks.

Over the last few days, several countries such as Malaysia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia condemned recent remarks made by a few BJP leaders. While Sharma made comments during a TV debate, Jindal posted a controversial remark on Twitter.

The BJP suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal over the remarks, and issued a statement emphasising its intolerance for disrespect of any religious personality.

Notably, the controversy erupted after Sharma's remarks against the minorities. Some Gulf countries also lodged their protest.

However, India on Thursday reiterated that the controversial remarks concerning Prophet Mohammad do not reflect the views of the Government and added that action has been taken by concerned quarters against those who made the comments..

(with agency inputs)