Religious and political leaders slam police action, demand withdrawal of FIRs
NEW DELHI/BENGALURU — Prominent religious scholars, community leaders, socio-religious and political figures in Karnataka have called for a stop to the increasing police crackdowns on “I Love Muhammad” campaign in the BJP-ruled states. At an emergency meeting in the state capital Bengaluru on Saturday, the attendees also sought withdrawal of FIRs against protesters.
The meeting voiced anger at what it called unjust and discriminatory actions by state authorities. The discontent has spilled over into Congress-ruled Karnataka, where police in Davangere also took action against such banners, sparking fresh outrage, the meeting noted.
The gathering condemned the police actions in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, Davangere, and other cities, terming them not only “unjust” but also “in violation of democratic and constitutional principles.”
Leaders at the meeting stressed that love for Prophet Muhammad is an essential part of every Muslim’s faith, and no authority can prevent its expression. They also pointed out that Prophet Muhammad is revered not only by Muslims but also by many non-Muslims who have historically expressed their admiration for him.
The meeting unanimously demanded immediate withdrawal of “baseless FIRs” and the release of those arrested in connection with the banner displays. Participants urged Muslims, particularly the youth, to remain peaceful, uphold the law, and avoid giving communal elements an excuse to create unrest. True devotion to the Prophet, they said, lies not in banners alone but in practicing his teachings and spreading his message of mercy to fellow citizens.
The gathering further underlined that seeking official permission before putting up banners or holding demonstrations is a civic duty to avoid legal complications. Against the backdrop of rising Islamophobia and incidents of blasphemy, the meeting resolved to send a delegation soon to Karnataka chief minister and deputy chief minister to demand strict action against offenders and to preserve peace and harmony in the state.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity, peaceful expression, and constructive engagement so that the Prophet’s teachings could reach a wider audience and inspire future generations.
Among the attendees were prominent religious and political leaders such as Mufti Dr Maqsood Imran Rashadi (City Jama Masjid, Bengaluru), Maulana Abdul Qadir Shah Wajid Qadri, Mohibullah Khan Amin (Jamiat Ulama Karnataka), Sheikh Ijaz Ahmad Nadvi, Mohammad Yusuf Kani (Jamaat-e-Islami Karnataka), Maulana Ghulam Mukhtar Qadri, Maulana Zabihullah Noori, Usman Sharif, Afzar Baig Qadri, Mansoor Ahmad Qureshi, Maulana Mohammad Ali Qazi (Chairman, Urdu Academy), and Maulana Shafi Saadi.
Political leaders including Karnataka Housing and Minority Welfare Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, Chief Minister’s political advisor Naseer Ahmed, and MLC Abdul Jabbar were also present. The press note clarified that several other key leaders who could not attend the emergency meeting due to prior commitments have extended full support to the resolutions passed.
