A massive peaceful protest and sloganeering was held after Friday prayers at Delhi’s Jama Masjid against inflammatory speeches made by former BJP functionaries against Prophet Mohammad.
The protesters were demanding arrest of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid said no call for protest given by the mosque authorities. The initial protest had lasted for about half an hour, following which the protesters dispersed. They later gathered again.
Protests were also held in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Deoband and Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh over the same issue. In Saharanpur, locals staged protest and tried to march towards the Ghantaghar after Friday prayers in the Nawabganj area. Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. The situation was tense, but under control at the moment.
Violent clashes had erupted a week ago in Kanpur after two groups protested over controversial speeches made by Sharma at a television debate. The remarks have also led to international condemnation.
The BJP has suspended Sharma and expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Jindal over their remarks on the Prophet.