Ulemas concerned by govt's hesitation to arrest Nupur Sharma, Naveen Jindal

Hyderabad: Immediate arrest and prosecution of Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, the suspended BJP spokespersons, for their derogatory remarks against the Prophet of Islam is the only way to stop the ongoing protests in the country. By taking action against the duo, the government should send a clear message that it will not tolerate hate mongers spreading communal animosity in the country.

Religious scholars representing different organisations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh expressed concern at the government's dithering over the arrest of Sharma and Jindal while punishing those protesting against their blasphemous statements against the Prophet. This is only emboldening and encouraging the mischief-mongers to spread hatred and animosity, said Mufti Ghiyasuddin Rahmnai, Maulana Ubaidur Rahman Athar, Maulana Ghiyas Ahmad Rashadi, Hafiz Peer Khaleeq Sabir, Maulana Jafar Pasha Hussami, and Mufti Inamul Haq Qasmi.

These ulemas belong to Jamiat-e-Ulama Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Imaarat-e-Sharaiyah Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Majlis-e-Ilmiya, Hyderabad, Imarat-e-Millate Islamia, Safa Baitual Maal, Hyderabad, Lajintul Ulama, Mahkamah Sharaiyah, Hyderabad, Rabta Abna-e-Nadwa, Payame Insaaniyat, Majlis-e-Tahaffuz-e-Khatme Nubuwwat.

They told presspersons here on Monday that Muslims loved their Prophet more than their own lives and would not tolerate any disrespect towards him. Muslims also honour and respect other Prophets and religious personalities of different faiths as it was their Islamic teaching. But of late, Islam and Muslims were being targeted with the government keeping mum. It is time all religious heads and intellectuals come forward and educate people on such sensitive issues, they said.

They also sought action against BJP legislator Raja Singh for his disparaging remarks against the Sufi saint, Hazrath Khawaja Mohiuddin Chisti of Ajmer. The Telangana Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekar Rao, who has secular credentials, should take action and arrest the MLA, Maulana Jafar Pasha demanded.

He appealed to the Telangana government to release the persons arrested for protesting and to withdraw cases filed against them. To a question, the ulemas said they would think of meeting the Chief Minister and Home minister to represent the matter. They further wanted the people to boycott TV channels that are spreading malice and hatred.

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