The 'I Love Muhammad' banner controversy that ignited in Kanpur has now reached all corners of Uttar Pradesh and even Uttarakhand. The disagreement began when objections were raised against these posters during the Barawafat procession in Kanpur, leading to face-offs between Hindu and Muslim communities. The subsequent police FIR resulted in widespread processions by the Muslim community in several cities. In some areas, provocative chants exacerbated tensions.
Protests and Police Responses Across UP Cities
Following the banner dispute in Kanpur, numerous protests broke out. SP MLA Ravi Hasan criticized the police, claiming the FIR language was inappropriate and should be annulled.
A similar incident occurred in Auraiya, prompting swift police action. FIRs were filed, and arrests made in Unnao and Maharajganj for unauthorized processions and stone-throwing at police.
In Bareilly, an IMC leader threatened an inspector over poster removal, causing further unrest. The first incident involved the viral video of Dr. Nafees from Ittihad-e-Millat Council, who openly threatened consequences if posters were removed. Another disturbance arose in Prem Nagar police area following a provocative social media post.
Source: aajtak
Actions in Uttarakhand
In Udham Singh Nagar of Uttarakhand, the situation escalated to a point where police had to implement stern measures against the agitators, including the use of bulldozers. Key figures like mastermind Nadeem Akhtar were apprehended.
Following the chaos, the Udham Singh Nagar administration remains highly proactive, employing rigorous measures, including bulldozer actions and electric department interventions to maintain order. District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria inspected ongoing administrative proceedings in Kashipur.
Read Also: 'I Love Muhammad is Not a Sin, It's a Matter of Pride', Deobandi Clerics Make Significant Announcements
Demonstrations in Maharashtra
In Kalyan, Maharashtra, Muslim women organized a large rally in support of Prophet Muhammad, showcasing posters and banners that read 'I Love Muhammad'. The situation was resolved peacefully.
Source: aajtak
Meanwhile, in Nagpur, leaders including city Congress Committee's minority department chairman Wasim Khan spearheaded a rally with party members. Khan stated all religions have the right to worship their deities and that any affronts to Prophet Muhammad would not be tolerated.
View Also: Planned Unrest Ahead of Festivals? Banner Tensions Heighten Nationwide Scrutiny, Police on High Alert
'I Love Mahadev' Posters and Leaders' Reactions
In response, saints in Kashi released 'I Love Mahadev' posters. Swami Narendraanand of Sumeru Peeth declared they would not allow India to transform into Nepal or Bangladesh.
Akhilesh's Remarks
SP President Akhilesh Yadav urged a deeper understanding of this sensitive issue, proposing reconciliation through mutual respect. In contrast, UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak termed it an opposition conspiracy, while Minister Raghuraj Singh suggested imprisoning such individuals for disrupting peace.
Read More: Plans to Incite Disturbance Before Festivals? Nationwide Impact of 'I Love Muhammad' Poster Controversy
Reactions from Clerics and Political Parties
The controversy drew varied reactions from clerics and political parties. Deobandi cleric Qari Irshad Gora regarded the 'I Love Muhammad' statement as a prideful tribute, deeming FIRs against it inappropriate and calling for police department reforms. Similarly, protests in support of 'I Love Muhammad' emerged in Nagpur, involving multi-party participation.
