New Delhi, September 20:
Protests have erupted across several Indian states after police in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, reportedly booked Muslim youths for displaying banners reading “I Love Muhammad” during Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations. The FIRs have triggered widespread outrage, with demonstrators insisting that expressing love for Prophet Muhammad is an essential part of their faith and not a criminal act.
Protest marches were witnessed in Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, where participants carried placards and raised slogans including “Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah” and “Tera Mera Rishta Kya – La Ilaha Illallah.”
Community leaders and activists condemned the action of police, calling it a violation of religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticized the FIRs, saying: “It is not a crime to say ‘I Love Muhammad.’ Expressing devotion to the Prophet is part of our faith.”
Protesters have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the FIRs and accountability from authorities. They warned that criminalizing peaceful religious expression could further alienate minority communities and disturb social harmony.
The incident has sparked a heated debate on the balance between law enforcement and freedom of religious expression in India.
