“It could lead to unrest and protests and counter-protests if we had not acted on time,” said a senior police officer.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Karnataka Police jailed a Muslim woman after a Hindutva supporter filed a complaint against her over her WhatsApp status wishing Pakistan on its republic day on March 23.
Twenty-five-year old Kuthma Sheikh, a madrassa student, had put up a photo on her WhatsApp status titled “celebrating Pakistan Resolution Day” with a caption in Urdu, “Allah Har Mulk me Ittihaad…Aman…Sukoon…Ata Farma Maula” (aye Allah grant unity, peace and harmony to every country).
A complaint was filed by one, Arun Kumar Bhajantri, at Mudhol police station. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the police registered a case against Sheikh under the Indian Penal Code’s (IPC) section 153(A) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence) and 505(2) (Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes).
The lady was later arrested and placed under judicial custody for up to March 24.
“Her post could be interpreted as if it was meant to commemorate Pakistan’s Republic Day. It could lead to unrest and protests and counter-protests if we had not acted on time,” a senior police officer told The Hindu.
The police action prompted outrage with many who say the Muslim woman was being punished for wishing peace and harmony.
A Journalist, Mohammed Zubair, highlighted the double standards in the country, tweeted: “If Prime Minister of India wishes on Pakistan’s Republic day, he will be hailed as a Messiah by News channels.
“But Indian Muslim citizen wishing PEACE, UNITY & HARMONY to every nation on Pakistan’s Republic day will land you in jail in World’s largest Democracy.”
If Prime Minister of India wishes on Pakistan’s Republic day, He will be Hailed as a Messiah by News channels.
But Indian Muslim citizen wishing PEACE, UNITY & HARMONY to every nation on Pakistan’s Republic day will land you in jail in Worlds largest Democracy. pic.twitter.com/2cOMZrjM60
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 27, 2022