“This is nothing but an attempt to fuel hatred and provoke violence against Muslims,” said Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW — In yet another provocative move, controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand, known for his inflammatory remarks against Muslims, has written a letter in his own blood to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding a simplified process for granting licensed firearms to Hindus. The letter was delivered to the CM by BJP leader Aditya Tyagi, who was seen in a video writing the letter using Narsinghanand’s blood. The incident has sparked widespread criticism from Muslim groups and rights activists, who view it as a dangerous escalation of communal tensions.
The letter, which Narsinghanand claims will also be sent to leaders of non-Muslim countries, warns against what he describes as “Islamic Jihad” and calls for a “permanent solution” to the issue. “Hindus are under constant threat, and it is our duty to arm ourselves for self-defence,” he declared during an emergency meeting at Dasna Devi temple. “I am disappointed with Hindu leaders. They are not serious about protecting our religion. That is why I have decided to approach the people directly,” he said.
At the meeting, attended by several right-wing activists, Narsinghanand announced a mass campaign to demand gun licences for Hindus. He plans to gather 100,000 signatures in support of this appeal before presenting the letter at a public gathering.
Muslim organisations and civil rights groups have strongly condemned the move, calling it a direct incitement to violence. “This is nothing but an attempt to fuel hatred and provoke violence against Muslims,” said Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. “Such rhetoric is dangerous for the fabric of our society and must be dealt with firmly by the authorities.”
This latest action by Narsinghanand is not an isolated incident. He has a long history of making incendiary remarks against Muslims. In the past, he has called for the demolition of mosques and made derogatory comments about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Several FIRs have been filed against him for hate speech, yet he continues to operate with impunity.
Legal experts argue that his actions violate multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to promoting enmity between religious groups. “The government’s inaction against individuals like him raises serious concerns about selective law enforcement,” said Supreme Court lawyer Mehmood Pracha. “If a Muslim leader were to make such statements, they would be immediately arrested under stringent anti-terror laws.”
Despite the gravity of Narsinghanand’s statements, there has been no official response from the Uttar Pradesh government. The BJP-led administration has often been accused of turning a blind eye to hate speech by right-wing Hindu leaders. Opposition parties, however, have strongly criticised the silence of the government.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav slammed the Yogi Adityanath government for failing to act. “This is a clear case of incitement to violence, yet the administration remains silent. Such actions threaten the unity and peace of our country,” he said in a press briefing.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also expressed concern. “The promotion of armed militancy in the name of religion is a threat to our democracy. The government must take immediate action to prevent communal violence,” she said.
The Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh, already facing rising discrimination, has reacted with fear and concern. “This open call to arm Hindus puts our safety at risk,” said Faizan Ahmed, a social activist from Aligarh. “It feels like we are being pushed into a situation where we have to constantly fear for our lives.”
Many have pointed out the double standards in law enforcement. “If a Muslim cleric were to call for weapons for self-defence, he would be booked under UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) within hours,” said Dr. Asad Rizvi, a political analyst. “The fact that such extreme rhetoric is allowed from right-wing Hindu leaders shows the bias in our system.”
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. “This is a serious threat to national security. If the government does not act, it will only embolden more such extremists,” said AIMPLB member Khalid Saifullah Rahmani.
Social media has also erupted with demands for justice. Hashtags such as #ArrestNarsinghanand and #StopHateSpeech have been trending on X, formerlyTwitter, with netizens calling for the Uttar Pradesh government to take firm action.
At a time when communal tensions are already high, Narsinghanand’s appeal for Hindu armament poses a serious threat to peace and harmony. The silence of the authorities only deepens the concerns of minorities, who feel increasingly marginalised. If decisive action is not taken against hate speech, it could set a dangerous precedent for further radicalisation.
Civil society groups and religious leaders from all communities must come together to condemn such divisive rhetoric and work towards fostering an environment of coexistence. As Maulana Arshad Madani rightly pointed out, “India’s strength lies in its unity, and any attempt to divide us must be resisted at all costs.”
The ball is now in the court of the government—will it uphold justice and ensure that no one is above the law, or will it continue to let extremists dictate the narrative? The coming days will reveal the true stance of the authorities on this pressing issue.
