Protests outside Delhi’s Jama Masjid over remarks against Prophet
10 June, 2022 | Pravina Srivastava
Massive protest was held at Delhi's Jama Masjid today, in response to provocative remarks made by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma
A large protest was held at Delhi’s Jama Masjid today, in response to provocative remarks made by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma and expelled BJP leader Naveen Jindal.
The protestors have been removed, according to Delhi Police, and the situation is now under control.
While speaking to media, Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam said “Masjid has not issued a protest call. We don’t know who is protesting; I believe they are AIMIM or Owaisi’s, supporters. We made it plain that they are free to demonstrate, but we would not back them up.”
Nupur Sharma’s anti-minority remarks sparked the uproar. Some Gulf countries have expressed their displeasure.
However, India underlined on Thursday that the contentious words about Prophet Mohammad do not reflect the views of the government, and that action has been taken against individuals who made the remarks by concerned parties.
Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated at a press conference on Thursday, “We’ve made it plain that the tweets and comments do not represent the government’s views. This, as well as the fact that action has been taken by concerned parties against those who made the comments and tweets, has been relayed to our interlocutors.”
Meanwhile, officials said on Thursday that Delhi Police had filed two FIRs for allegedly spreading hate and hurting religious sentiments, one against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the other against 31 people, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand.
The second FIR names former Delhi BJP media unit chief Naveen Kumar Jindal, who was removed from the party over alleged statements against Prophet Mohammad, and journalist Saba Naqvi.