Communal tensions are simmering in India’s Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Maharashtra states following the controversy over ‘I love Muhammad’ posters. The situation has led to violent clashes, security crackdowns, and a political row.
- The Spark: The issue began in UP’s Bareilly after an FIR was filed against 24 individuals for displaying ‘I love Muhammad’ posters during an Eid Miladun Nabi procession. Hindu and right-wing groups called the posters a “deliberate provocation.”
- UP Clampdown: Following violent clashes between over 2,000 protesters and police last week, authorities deployed large security forces and suspended internet services in Bareilly until Saturday. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned of strict action against “rioters.”
- Maharashtra Violence: In Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar, a protest by local Muslims against ‘I love Muhammad’ graffiti on a road turned violent after police used a baton charge. Police arrested 30 people and later demolished properties belonging to Muslims accused of rioting.
- Political Condemnation: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the state’s response, arguing that one can praise PM Modi but not the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A local BJP leader from IIOJK, Jahanzaib Sirwal, also criticized the “vindictive” police action and Adityanath’s remarks, threatening to resign and calling the actions an “affront to the constitutional right… to freely practice and profess one’s religion.”
