All India Muslim Personal Law Board demands immediate release of all those detained during ‘I Love Muhammad’ protests
NEW DELHI – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Tuesday strongly condemned the arrest of influential cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and several others in Uttar Pradesh, calling it an act of injustice and abuse of power.
In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr SQR Ilyas demanded immediate and unconditional release of the cleric and all those detained during protests following police action against Muslims in Kanpur over ‘I Love Muhammad’ signboards during the recent Eid Milad-un Nabi processions. He expressed concern over what he described as “brutal police action” against peaceful demonstrations across the state.
Dr Ilyas said that raising the slogan “I Love Muhammad” or displaying it on banners was neither illegal nor unconstitutional. “People of other faiths also express devotion to their revered figures, and no action is taken against them. Filing an FIR over such a banner in Kanpur is blatantly discriminatory,” he noted.
The board also criticised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for what it termed “arrogant and communal language” against Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and the protesters in Bareilly. Dr Ilyas said that as an elected leader, the chief minister represents all citizens and should refrain from biased statements.
He further stressed that Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan is a respected leader who had only called for a peaceful protest, which falls within the democratic rights of citizens.
The AIMPLB has demanded withdrawal of all charges and the release of those arrested without any delay.
