Communal tensions grip Punjabs Jalandhar district as protest over I Love Mohammad row turns violent
Members from Muslim organisation were protesting outside the district administrative complex with holding banners with the words ‘I Love Mohammad’ and chanting slogans.
PTC News Desk: Communal tensions have gripped Punjab's Jalandhar district following an altercation between members of two communities during a protest march near the district administrative complex, leading to a case registered against leaders of one of the groups.
Members from Muslim organisation were protesting outside the district administrative complex with holding banners with the words ‘I Love Mohammad’ and chanting slogans. Meanwhile, a youth passed by on his scooter and statrted chanting Jai Sri Ram', further escalating the situation.
The Muslims stopped Yogesh Maini, a BJP activist, and forcibly took away his scooter keys, resulting in a scuffle and a protest by the Hindu community leaders.
The protestors initially dispersed after the rival group arrived and blocked the road at Press Club Chowk. Later in the evening, they regrouped at BMC Chowk, where police tried to break up the demonstration. Several leaders, including BJP’s K D Bhandari and Sheetal Angural, as well as Shiv Sena leaders, joined the protest.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Naresh Dogra said that earlier, when one group had gathered to submit a memorandum to the Police Commissioner, a minor scuffle broke out between the two groups near the district administrative complex.
Later in the afternoon, based on some video evidence, members of the other group lodged complaints. A case was then registered against Ayub Khan, Namin Khan, and two others under BNS Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 299 (acts intended to outrage religious feelings), among others. Dogra added that more charges could be added as further videos are still being examined.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt, Pargat Singh, appealed for calm on X, urging all communities in Jalandhar to maintain peace and harmony. He said Punjab has always stood for unity and brotherhood, and no one would be allowed to disturb this fabric. He called on people to cooperate with the administration and let the law take its course.