- May 07, 2026
International Desk | PNN
On the night of September 4 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a signboard was seen with the slogan "I Love Muhammad," which was placed in honor of the birth anniversary of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Instead of the word "love," a red heart symbol was used. However, shortly after the signboard was installed, a few Hindu men protested, and the signboard was removed that same night in the presence of police.
Subsequently, on September 10, the police filed cases against nine Muslim individuals from Saiyad Nagar on charges of "disturbing communal harmony" and "introducing a new custom." While no arrests were made, this incident created anger within the Muslim community.
Meanwhile, Islamic leader Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan called for a protest on September 26. When the protest began, clashes occurred with the police, leading to the arrest of Khan and many others. The police accused them of vandalism and throwing stones at the officers.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to the protest as "creating unrest in society," and many Muslim properties were destroyed. Even the commercial establishment of one of the accused was demolished.
Human rights organizations have claimed that the Muslim community has the constitutional right to chant slogans and hold peaceful protests. However, analysts believe that the government's actions are politically motivated, potentially fostering fear and hatred against the Muslim community.
Moreover, amidst these tensions, various Muslim organizations and political parties have expressed their anger towards the Indian government, and have taken a stand against such discriminatory actions through protests.
