Bhatkal: Thousands gathered in Bhatkal on Monday in a protest organized by Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, demanding the immediate arrest of Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati for his inflammatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. The protest, supported by various local organizations, culminated in a memorandum being submitted to the Chief Justice of India through the Assistant Commissioner.
During the demonstration, Maulana Abdul Aleem Nadvi, the Imam of Jamia Masjid in Bhatkal, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that Narsinghanand’s derogatory remarks were not just an attack on Muslims but on humanity as a whole. "Prophet Muhammad is revered in all religious texts, not just in Islam. By insulting him, Narsinghanand has positioned himself as an enemy of all faiths, including Hinduism, and of the nation itself. India is a country that respects all religions, and such hate speech is a direct betrayal of our nation's core values," Nadvi stated.
Muhammad Kunhi, State Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, also spoke at the event, condemning Narsinghanand's repeated violations of Indian law. "For over a decade, he has continuously undermined the principles of harmony and peace in our country. His hate-filled rhetoric not only endangers religious harmony but also poses a serious threat to national unity. We demand strict legal action against him to prevent further defamation of religious figures," Kunhi added.
Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandri, while presenting the memorandum, reiterated the seriousness of the issue, warning that failure to act could lead to further escalations. "If Narsinghanand is not arrested, we will be forced to organize larger protests, including a district-wide march to Karwar. Today, we have gathered peacefully, but we will continue our efforts until justice is served. We also urge the public to support the Bhatkal bandh tomorrow, Tuesday, in solidarity with our cause," Shabandri stated.
The protest saw the participation of numerous community leaders, including Bhatkal Jamatul Muslimeen Qazi Maulana Abdul Rab Nadvi, Tanzeem General Secretary Abdul Raqib M.J. Nadvi, Bhatkal TMC In-charge President Altaf Kharuri, Federation General Secretary Mubasshir Hussain Hallare, former Federation President Azeezur Rahman Ruknuddin Nadvi, Qamar Saada, Abdul Sami Kola, and Principal of Jamia Islamia, Maulana Maqbool Kobatte Nadvi. The memorandum was read aloud by Tanzeem's Political Committee Convenor, Advocate Imran Lanka, before being handed over to Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Dr. Nayana, who assured the protesters it would be forwarded for further action.
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