Muslim women protested peacefully outside Uttar Pradesh Assembly in Lucknow against what they called unconstitutional and discriminatory police action
LUCKNOW — Dozens of Muslim women staged a protest outside the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly here against police action taken during Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations in Kanpur, where an FIR was lodged against scores of Muslim youths.
The peaceful protest on Saturday, was led by Sumaiya Rana, daughter of noted Urdu poet Munawwar Rana. Women carried placards reading “I Love Muhammad” and demanded justice for those booked under what they described as biased charges.
Police had earlier filed cases against local Muslims for installing signboards honouring the Prophet Muhammad, after Hindu organisations objected to them. The police claimed the signboards could disturb communal harmony.
Sumaiya Rana strongly condemned the action. Speaking to reporters after her brief detention, she said, “The FIR is unconstitutional and a direct attack on India’s secular identity. In Uttar Pradesh, the law applies only to select religious communities, while the majority community is exempted.”
She accused the BJP-led government of targeting Muslims. “This action is discriminatory. It is an attempt to silence our religious expression. Muslims are treated as if they have no rights in their own country,” she said.
Witnesses said the protest remained calm until police arrived at the site. Some women were detained and taken to the nearby Eco Garden before being released without charges. Social media images of the demonstration quickly spread, drawing widespread attention.
Community leaders in Lucknow also criticised the state authorities. A local resident, Farah Jahan, told Clarion India, “How can a simple signboard with the words ‘I Love Muhammad’ be seen as a threat? This is nothing but an excuse to harass Muslims.”
Others stressed that such police action only increases distrust. Mohammed Aslam, a shopkeeper from Kanpur, said, “Instead of protecting our right to celebrate peacefully, the police chose to side with those who want to divide communities. This is not justice.”
Muslim groups have announced they will continue to raise their voice against what they see as selective policing. Activists said they plan to approach higher authorities and courts if needed.
The incident has once again highlighted tensions in Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims allege that laws are applied unevenly. Many pointed out that no action was taken against Hindu groups who opposed the signboards, yet Muslims faced immediate police cases.
