AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday criticized what he described as unequal treatment in India regarding expressions of faith and political allegiance, amid heightened tensions in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district following violent protests over “I Love Muhammad” posters.
Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, Owaisi stated, “In this country, people can express their love for Modi, but not for Muhammad. Where are we taking this nation? When someone proclaims ‘I love Modi,’ the media celebrates it. However, if someone says ‘I love Muhammad,’ it is met with objections. My identity as a Muslim is rooted in my love for Muhammad.” He also urged people not to take the law into their own hands and emphasized that accountability rests with the authorities, not the public.
Owaisi cited video clips showing police action against protestors and citizens who supported the demonstration. He questioned the government’s legislative measures, asking, “If you install his posters, you have to respect them. I want to ask why so many laws are being made and what is happening?”
The unrest in Bareilly followed a canceled protest called by Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan in support of the “I Love Muhammad” posters. Over 2,000 people had gathered outside a mosque after Friday prayers last week. Clashes ensued, with protestors hurling stones and police responding with lathi charges. At least 81 people were arrested during the violence. The row traces back to an FIR filed on September 9 in Kanpur. This was regarding the alleged display of the posters during a Barawafat procession.
Owaisi had earlier questioned why promoting messages of love, such as “I Love Mahadev,” would be acceptable. However, similar expressions for Prophet Muhammad face objections. He emphasised that a Muslim’s faith is incomplete without love for the Prophet. He also questioned the message being conveyed by opposing such expressions.
As tensions continue, the senior-most cleric of Ala Hazrat Dargah has urged Muslims in Bareilly to return home peacefully after Friday prayers. Security remains tight, with PAC and RAF personnel deployed. Additionally, drones are monitoring the area. Internet services in four districts of the Bareilly division remain suspended as authorities attempt to prevent further unrest.
