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The attempt to murder author Salman Rushdie has once again highlighted the threat of the Fatwa - a death warrant issued against people labelled blasphemers.
So, what is a fatwa? Who issues it, and why? And, who are the others who have fallen victim to it?
From India to Europe, and everywhere in between - fatwas have been issued, and in many cases, people hurt.
One of the cases which shocked the world was that of Samuel Paty, a French school teacher who was killed in October 2020. Paty had reportedly showed Islamic religious figure Mohammad's cartoons in class during a discussion. Following this, a fatwa had reportedly been issued against him by a student's father, and a terrorist. Paty's killer had beheaded him in public, and was later shot by police.
The same year, Kamlesh Tiwari, President of a group called Hindu Samaj Party, was shot and stabbed to death in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. A fatwa had been issued against him in 2016 by 2 UP clerics, according to Tiwari's wife. The fatwa had been issued over remarks made by Tiwari about a religious figure.
Rafiq Tagi, an Azerbaijani journalist, was killed in 2011 over a fatwa issued by an Iranian cleric in 2006. The fatwa was issued over articles critical of Islam written by Tagi. He was stabbed, and died in a hospital.
Another high-profile target of a fatwa was Pervez Musharraf, the former military ruler of Pakistan. In 2010, a conference in Quetta issued a fatwa which reportedly labelled Musharraf 'fit to be killed'. The death warrant was issued over the assassination of some Baloch nationalists.
In 2002, riots broke out in Nigeria amid a fatwa issued against a journalist, Isioma Daniel. Some of her comments in an article on the Miss World pageant had sparked a controversy, and over 220 people died in subsequent riots. The fatwa calling for Daniel's death was issued by the Zamfara state government, and the journalist had to flee the country.
A recent case in India involved a person named Dr Mohammad Nizam Bharti, who claimed that he was the target of a fatwa issued over his support to the BJP's ideological parent organisation RSS. The accused Hafiz Imran Warsi was arrested by UP police, but denied issuing a ₹1 lakh bounty against Bharti.
We've seen the dangerous consequences of a fatwa. But what exactly is it?
Fatwas are rulings or edicts under Islamic law. They can range from dietary guidelines to worship styles. In some extreme cases, fatwas are issued as death warrants. Fatwas are written by clerics trained in Islamic law and customs. They are legal opinions, and so clerics can have different stands on the same topic. Fatwas can also be cancelled or rescinded by the issuers.
Since fatwas can cover a wide variety of topics, some very bizarre rulings have been issued in the past.
In 2021, a Bangladeshi cleric issued a fatwa banning the use of smiley emojis to mock people. 3 years earlier, a fatwa against life insurance policies had been issued by Indian clerics. The document reportedly said that life and death are in the hands of Allah, and the income from interest earned by insurance companies is 'haram' or forbidden.
The same clerics had earlier issued a fatwa banning women from uploading their photographs online. The fatwa said that Muslim women cannot show their faces in public. It was issued by Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. The seminary issued another fatwa banning designer, and slim-fit burqas. Burqas are meant to protect women from prying eyes, the 2018 fatwa by Darul Uloom Deoband said.
But out of all these, the death fatwa remains the most destructive. It's latest high-profile victim - Salman Rushdie - had been facing the threat for over 30 years.
The fatwa against Rushdie was issued for his book 'The Satanic Verses'. Calling the book blasphemous against Islamic Prophet Mohammad, Iran's religious leader Ruholla Khomeini issued a fatwa in 1989. The fatwa asked "brave Muslims" to kill Rushdie and others who had helped publish the book. A $3 million bounty was also attached to the death warrant. Rushdie was forced to go into hiding for a decade. The controversy led to the United Kingdom and Iran breaking diplomatic ties. The two nations resumed diplomatic relations in 1998, when Iran diluted its stand saying that it would neither support nor hinder threats against Rushdie's life.
'The Satanic Verses' had sparked violent protests in many parts of the world, including India. In 1989, 12 people died in riots in Mumbai, while 6 people died in Pakistan's Islamabad. Meanwhile, UK stores selling 'The Satanic Verses' were reportedly bombed.
While Salman Rushdie managed to evade the fatwa against him for over 3 decades, others were not so lucky.
In July 1991, Hitoshi Igarashi, who had translated 'The Satanic Verses' into Japanese, was murdered. He was stabbed to death in a university building hallway in Tokyo. There was a deep knife wound in his neck, and cuts on his hands and face.
A few days earlier, Ettore Capriolo had been attacked in Italy. Capriolo had translated Rushdie's book into Italian. He was attacked at his Milan apartment, suffering knife wounds in his neck, chest, and hands, but survived.
In October 1993, William Nygaard was shot 3 times. He was the Norwegian publisher of 'The Satanic Verses'. Nygaard was shot outside his home in Oslo, but managed to survive, spending many months in a hospital.
The story so far would have given you the impression that fatwas are dangerous weapons used to hurt helpless civilians. But fatwas are also used for good.
In 2021, a fatwa was issued by Bangladesh which called terrorism 'haram' or forbidden in Islam. The fatwa was issued by over 1 lakh Islamic scholars, and also said that suicide attackers would be cast in hell.
Another socially responsible fatwa was issued in Pakistan which condemned so-called 'honour' killings. It was issued by the Pakistan Ulema Council in 2014. A similar fatwa against 'honour' killings had been published by Canadian Islamic clerics in 2012.
A fatwa issued in India in 2016 called female foeticide 'haram'. It was issued by Darul Uloom, Deoband, which said that Islam orders that daughters be treated well.Recently, a fatwa was issued against the beheading of a tailor in Udaipur. Kanhaiya Lal was killed allegedly for supporting Nupur Sharma over her remarks against Islamic Prophet Mohammad. The fatwa against his murder was published by Dargah-e-Aala Hazrat in UP's Bareilly.
From calling for murder, to condemning it; from imposing restrictions on women, to saving girl children - fatwas are just tools, and it depends on the wielders how they are used.

Fatwa Attacks: before Salman Rushdie, other victims; bizarre anti-selfie, smiley fatwas; history explained

Fatwa Attacks: before Salman Rushdie, other victims; bizarre anti-selfie, smiley fatwas


The attempt to murder author Salman Rushdie has once again highlighted the threat of the Fatwa - a death warrant issued against people labelled blasphemers. So, what is a fatwa?

The attempt to murder author Salman Rushdie has once again highlighted the threat of the Fatwa - a death warrant issued against people labelled blasphemers.
So, what is a fatwa? Who issues it, and why? And, who are the others who have fallen victim to it?
From India to Europe, and everywhere in between - fatwas have been issued, and in many cases, people hurt.
One of the cases which shocked the world was that of Samuel Paty, a French school teacher who was killed in October 2020. Paty had reportedly showed Islamic religious figure Mohammad's cartoons in class during a discussion. Following this, a fatwa had reportedly been issued against him by a student's father, and a terrorist. Paty's killer had beheaded him in public, and was later shot by police.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/doom-tech-forget-usa-s-ninja-blade-missile-these-autonomous-weapons-don-t-need-human-operators-1660069692806">Doom Tech | Forget USA's 'Ninja' blade missile, these autonomous weapons don't need human operators</a>
The same year, Kamlesh Tiwari, President of a group called Hindu Samaj Party, was shot and stabbed to death in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. A fatwa had been issued against him in 2016 by 2 UP clerics, according to Tiwari's wife. The fatwa had been issued over remarks made by Tiwari about a religious figure.
Rafiq Tagi, an Azerbaijani journalist, was killed in 2011 over a fatwa issued by an Iranian cleric in 2006. The fatwa was issued over articles critical of Islam written by Tagi. He was stabbed, and died in a hospital.
Another high-profile target of a fatwa was Pervez Musharraf, the former military ruler of Pakistan. In 2010, a conference in Quetta issued a fatwa which reportedly labelled Musharraf 'fit to be killed'. The death warrant was issued over the assassination of some Baloch nationalists.
ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/doom-tech-ninja-missile-with-blades-no-blast-usa-s-secret-weapon-killed-al-qaeda-chief-al-zawahiri-1659468359099"> Doom Tech | 'Ninja' missile with blades, no blast: USA's secret weapon killed al-Qaeda chief al-Zawahiri?</a>
In 2002, riots broke out in Nigeria amid a fatwa issued against a journalist, Isioma Daniel. Some of her comments in an article on the Miss World pageant had sparked a controversy, and over 220 people died in subsequent riots. The fatwa calling for Daniel's death was issued by the Zamfara state government, and the journalist had to flee the country.
A recent case in India involved a person named Dr Mohammad Nizam Bharti, who claimed that he was the target of a fatwa issued over his support to the BJP's ideological parent organisation RSS. The accused Hafiz Imran Warsi was arrested by UP police, but denied issuing a ₹1 lakh bounty against Bharti.
We've seen the dangerous consequences of a fatwa. But what exactly is it?
Fatwas are rulings or edicts under Islamic law. They can range from dietary guidelines to worship styles. In some extreme cases, fatwas are issued as death warrants. Fatwas are written by clerics trained in Islamic law and customs. They are legal opinions, and so clerics can have different stands on the same topic. Fatwas can also be cancelled or rescinded by the issuers.
Since fatwas can cover a wide variety of topics, some very bizarre rulings have been issued in the past.
In 2021, a Bangladeshi cleric issued a fatwa banning the use of smiley emojis to mock people. 3 years earlier, a fatwa against life insurance policies had been issued by Indian clerics. The document reportedly said that life and death are in the hands of Allah, and the income from interest earned by insurance companies is 'haram' or forbidden.
The same clerics had earlier issued a fatwa banning women from uploading their photographs online. The fatwa said that Muslim women cannot show their faces in public. It was issued by Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. The seminary issued another fatwa banning designer, and slim-fit burqas. Burqas are meant to protect women from prying eyes, the 2018 fatwa by Darul Uloom Deoband said.
But out of all these, the death fatwa remains the most destructive. It's latest high-profile victim - Salman Rushdie - had been facing the threat for over 30 years.
The fatwa against Rushdie was issued for his book 'The Satanic Verses'. Calling the book blasphemous against Islamic Prophet Mohammad, Iran's religious leader Ruholla Khomeini issued a fatwa in 1989. The fatwa asked "brave Muslims" to kill Rushdie and others who had helped publish the book. A $3 million bounty was also attached to the death warrant. Rushdie was forced to go into hiding for a decade. The controversy led to the United Kingdom and Iran breaking diplomatic ties. The two nations resumed diplomatic relations in 1998, when Iran diluted its stand saying that it would neither support nor hinder threats against Rushdie's life.
'The Satanic Verses' had sparked violent protests in many parts of the world, including India. In 1989, 12 people died in riots in Mumbai, while 6 people died in Pakistan's Islamabad. Meanwhile, UK stores selling 'The Satanic Verses' were reportedly bombed.
While Salman Rushdie managed to evade the fatwa against him for over 3 decades, others were not so lucky.
In July 1991, Hitoshi Igarashi, who had translated 'The Satanic Verses' into Japanese, was murdered. He was stabbed to death in a university building hallway in Tokyo. There was a deep knife wound in his neck, and cuts on his hands and face.
A few days earlier, Ettore Capriolo had been attacked in Italy. Capriolo had translated Rushdie's book into Italian. He was attacked at his Milan apartment, suffering knife wounds in his neck, chest, and hands, but survived.
In October 1993, William Nygaard was shot 3 times. He was the Norwegian publisher of 'The Satanic Verses'. Nygaard was shot outside his home in Oslo, but managed to survive, spending many months in a hospital.
The story so far would have given you the impression that fatwas are dangerous weapons used to hurt helpless civilians. But fatwas are also used for good.
In 2021, a fatwa was issued by Bangladesh which called terrorism 'haram' or forbidden in Islam. The fatwa was issued by over 1 lakh Islamic scholars, and also said that suicide attackers would be cast in hell.
Another socially responsible fatwa was issued in Pakistan which condemned so-called 'honour' killings. It was issued by the Pakistan Ulema Council in 2014. A similar fatwa against 'honour' killings had been published by Canadian Islamic clerics in 2012.
A fatwa issued in India in 2016 called female foeticide 'haram'. It was issued by Darul Uloom, Deoband, which said that Islam orders that daughters be treated well. Recently, a fatwa was issued against the beheading of a tailor in Udaipur. Kanhaiya Lal was killed allegedly for supporting Nupur Sharma over her remarks against Islamic Prophet Mohammad. The fatwa against his murder was published by Dargah-e-Aala Hazrat in UP's Bareilly.
From calling for murder, to condemning it; from imposing restrictions on women, to saving girl children - fatwas are just tools, and it depends on the wielders how they are used.

A 72-year-old man was held for allegedly disrupting communal harmony and organising a protest without permission at the Jama Masjid area here recently against the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, police said on Wednesday.
Accused Anwaruddin, a resident of Matia Mahal in the Jama Masjid area, has been bound down under Section 41A (police may arrest without warrant) of the CrPC, police said.
Anwaruddin, who runs a motor shop in the area, has previously been involved in 10 criminal cases, including three related to riots, a senior police officer said.
He is accused of forcing shopkeepers in the area to shut shops in support of the protest held on June 10 at the Jama Masjid after the Friday prayers, police said.
According to the police, preliminary investigation has found that people were mobilised through messages on WhatsApp groups.
Protests had erupted outside the Jama Masjid on June 10 with hundreds of people demanding the arrest of now-removed BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and former head of the Delhi BJP's media unit Naveen Jindal.
The protesters, who had gathered at the popular mosque, carried placards and raised slogans against the duo over their remarks on the Prophet.

Prophet remark row: who is 72-year-old Anwaruddin accused of mobilising Jama Masjid protest

He is accused of forcing shopkeepers in the area to shut shops in support of the protest held on June 10 at the Jama Masjid after the Friday prayers, police said.

A 72-year-old man was held for allegedly disrupting communal harmony and organising a protest without permission at the Jama Masjid area here recently against the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, police said on Wednesday.
Accused Anwaruddin, a resident of Matia Mahal in the Jama Masjid area, has been bound down under Section 41A (police may arrest without warrant) of the CrPC, police said.
Anwaruddin, who runs a motor shop in the area, has previously been involved in 10 criminal cases, including three related to riots, a senior police officer said.
He is accused of forcing shopkeepers in the area to shut shops in support of the protest held on June 10 at the Jama Masjid after the Friday prayers, police said.
According to the police, preliminary investigation has found that people were mobilised through messages on WhatsApp groups.
Protests had erupted outside the Jama Masjid on June 10 with hundreds of people demanding the arrest of now-removed BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and former head of the Delhi BJP's media unit Naveen Jindal.
The protesters, who had gathered at the popular mosque, carried placards and raised slogans against the duo over their remarks on the Prophet.

Over 500 Indian websites attacked. From government agencies, to universities and schools; from police, to agricultural bodies - the hack attack has been indiscriminate.
The sudden cyber onslaught has been sparked by comments regarding Mohammad, who is considered a Prophet, or messenger of Allah, by followers of Islam. The comments were made by BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal who have since been suspended.
After a diplomatic storm, the Indian government is now worrying about cyber tsunamis. So, who is behind all these attacks?
ALSO WATCH | Al Qaeda threatens India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad controversy, weeks after comment on hijab ban
One of the groups which has claimed responsibility for the hack attacks is DragonForce. It is reportedly a hacking collective based in Malaysia, and is very active on social media. DragonForce has launched an anti-India campaign called 'OpsPatuk' or 'strike back'. The hackers have apparently published social media credentials, and bank usernames &amp; passwords of Indians. DragonForce has been associated with Pakistani hacking groups in the past.
Another group whose name has emerged is 1877. It is apparently a grouping of Iraqi hackers who seem to have partnered with DragonForce for OpsPatuk. 1877 group attacked the ICAR website, among others.
Then there is One Hat Cyber Team, a group of hackers who apparently belong to Indonesia. The One Hat Cyber Team hacked the website of Thane Police, and demanded an apology over the Mohammad controversy.
The targets of these cyber criminals have been varied. Some of the websites which were attacked include those of the Indian embassy in Israel, the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Thane Police, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Institute of Science, Nagpur.
Cyber crime is turning out to be a major threat for India. The country saw 1.8 crore cyber attacks and threats in the first three months of 2022, as per US-based cyber security firm Norton. Between January and March, India saw almost 60,000 phishing attempts, and over 30,000 tech support scams, according to the Norton study.
To fight off hacking attempts, website owners must examine vulnerabilities and plug loopholes. This would include fixing issues like default passwords, and unpatched or outdated servers.

Revealed: who's behind hack attacks on India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad row

Islamic Prophet Mohammad row: one of the groups which has claimed responsibility for the hack attacks is DragonForce, a hacking collective based in Malaysia which has been associated with Pakistani hackers in the past.

Over 500 Indian websites attacked. From government agencies, to universities and schools; from police, to agricultural bodies - the hack attack has been indiscriminate.
The sudden cyber onslaught has been sparked by comments regarding Mohammad, who is considered a Prophet, or messenger of Allah, by followers of Islam. The comments were made by BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal who have since been suspended.
After a diplomatic storm, the Indian government is now worrying about cyber tsunamis. So, who is behind all these attacks?
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-comment-row-al-qaeda-threatens-terror-attacks-in-india-1654612467564" target="_blank">Al Qaeda threatens India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad controversy, weeks after comment on hijab ban</a>
One of the groups which has claimed responsibility for the hack attacks is DragonForce. It is reportedly a hacking collective based in Malaysia, and is very active on social media. DragonForce has launched an anti-India campaign called 'OpsPatuk' or 'strike back'. The hackers have apparently published social media credentials, and bank usernames &amp; passwords of Indians. DragonForce has been associated with Pakistani hacking groups in the past.
Another group whose name has emerged is 1877. It is apparently a grouping of Iraqi hackers who seem to have partnered with DragonForce for OpsPatuk. 1877 group attacked the ICAR website, among others.
Then there is One Hat Cyber Team, a group of hackers who apparently belong to Indonesia. The One Hat Cyber Team hacked the website of Thane Police, and demanded an apology over the Mohammad controversy.
The targets of these cyber criminals have been varied. Some of the websites which were attacked include those of the Indian embassy in Israel, the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Thane Police, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Institute of Science, Nagpur.
Cyber crime is turning out to be a major threat for India. The country saw 1.8 crore cyber attacks and threats in the first three months of 2022, as per US-based cyber security firm Norton. Between January and March, India saw almost 60,000 phishing attempts, and over 30,000 tech support scams, according to the Norton study.
To fight off hacking attempts, website owners must examine vulnerabilities and plug loopholes. This would include fixing issues like default passwords, and unpatched or outdated servers.

The Thane city police commissionerate's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday, with a message appearing on it apparently directed towards the Indian government, demanding an apology to 'Muslims all over the world'.
On opening the website, the message on the screen stated: 'Hacked by One Hat Cyber Team.' The message also asked the Indian government to apologise to Muslims all over the world for comments made against the Prophet. 
A senior police officer of Thane police's cyber cell told new agency ANI that website as now been restored and data has been recovered. According to the officer, the website was hacked around 4am on Tuesday. 
Meanwhile, Madhukar Pandey, the additional director general of Maharashtra Police's Cyber Cell told ANI that many hackers have united and hacked into several websites in the country due to the ongoing communal tensions in the country. He said that names of Malayasia and Indonesia are surfacing but they have no information whether these hackers are based out of India or not. 

Prophet comment row | Thane police's website hacked, top cop warns of a larger operation

The Thane city police commissionerate's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday, with a message appearing on it apparently directed towards the Indian government, demanding an apology to 'Muslims all over the world'.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Madhukar Pandey, the&nbsp;additional director general of&nbsp;Maharashtra&nbsp;Police's Cyber Cell told ANI&nbsp;that many hackers have united and hacked into several websites in the country due to the ongoing communal tensions

The Thane city police commissionerate's website was allegedly hacked on Tuesday, with a message appearing on it apparently directed towards the Indian government, demanding an apology to 'Muslims all over the world'.
On opening the website, the message on the screen stated: 'Hacked by One Hat Cyber&nbsp;Team.' The message also asked the Indian government to apologise to Muslims all over the world for comments made against the Prophet.&nbsp;
A senior police officer of Thane police's cyber&nbsp;cell told new agency ANI that website as now been restored and data has been recovered. According to the officer, the website was hacked around 4am on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Madhukar Pandey, the&nbsp;additional director general of&nbsp;Maharashtra&nbsp;Police's Cyber Cell told ANI&nbsp;that many hackers have united and hacked into several websites in the country due to the ongoing communal tensions in the country.
Pandey&nbsp;said that approximately a thousand websites in Maharashtra&nbsp;have been hacked, including those of universities, private and public companies. The official added that they are working on restoring all of the websites.&nbsp;
He said&nbsp;that names of Malayasia&nbsp;and Indonesia are surfacing as hubs but they have no information whether these hackers are based out of India or not.&nbsp;
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-row-gautam-gambhir-comes-out-in-support-of-suspended-bjp-leader-nupur-sharma-1655103294242" target="_blank">Prophet row: Gautam Gambhir comes out in support of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma</a>

Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar was arrested on his way to Howrah, the district has become the centre of protest against the remarks made by now ex-BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad. 
Majumdar was stopped from visiting the violence-hit areas citing law and order situation and then placed under house arrest. 
While internet services were snapped in Howrah on Friday, the West Bengal government on Saturday suspended internet services in parts of Murshidabad district till June 14 to stop the spread of misinformation following violence in Howrah. 
Internet services have been suspended in entire Howrah district till June 13 and a ban of gathering of more than 4 people has been imposed in several areas such as Uluberia, Domjur and Panchla till June 15.
The restrictions were imposed after protests erupted in several parts of Howrah district on Friday over controversial remarks by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal on Prophet Mohammad.
Agitators resorted to stone-pelting, setting police vehicles on fire and damaging public property during violent protests and clashes with the law enforcers in Howrah.
Fresh violence was reported in Panchla Bazaar area in Howrah district on Saturday as protesters clashed with the police and several houses were set on fire. Agitators pelted policemen with stones, injuring some of them, and also vandalised a BJP party office. 
(with PTI inputs)

Prophet comment row: Bengal BJP chief arrested on his way to violence site

Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar was arrested on his way to Howrah, the district has become the centre of protest against the remarks made by now ex-BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad. 

Majumdar&nbsp;was stopped from visiting the violence-hit areas citing law and order situation and then placed under house arrest.&nbsp;

Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar,&nbsp;who was arrested on his way to violence-hit Howrah, has now been released by Kolkata&nbsp;Police
Majumdar&nbsp;was stopped from visiting Howrah&nbsp;citing law and order situation after violence broke in the district during protests on Friday against comments made on Prophet Mohammad
While internet&nbsp;services were snapped in Howrah&nbsp;on Friday, the West Bengal government on Saturday suspended internet services in parts of Murshidabad district till June 14 to stop the spread of misinformation following violence in Howrah.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-comment-row-howrah-reported-violence-for-the-2nd-day-political-games-begin-1654951059416" target="_blank">Prophet comment row: Howrah reported violence for the 2nd day; political games begin</a>
Internet services have been suspended in entire Howrah district till June 13 and a ban of gathering of more than 4 people&nbsp;has been imposed in several areas such as Uluberia, Domjur and Panchla till June 15.
The restrictions were imposed after protests erupted in several parts of Howrah district on Friday over controversial remarks by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal on Prophet Mohammad.
Agitators resorted to stone-pelting, setting police vehicles on fire and damaging public property during violent protests and clashes with the law enforcers in Howrah.
Fresh violence was reported in Panchla Bazaar area in Howrah district on Saturday as protesters clashed with the police and several houses were set on fire. Agitators pelted policemen with stones, injuring some of them, and also vandalised a BJP party office.&nbsp;
(with PTI&nbsp;inputs)

Uttar Pradesh police arrested 237 people from various districts in the state in connection with Friday's violence during protests against the controversial remarks of now-sacked BJP functionaries on Prophet Mohammad, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warning of "strictest" action against those attempting to vitiate the atmosphere.
In Saharanpur and Prayagraj, police officials said action will be taken against those arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
Among those arrested, 68 were held in Prayagraj and 50 in Hathras, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said in a statement on Saturday.
He said 55 people were arrested in Saharanpur, 28 in Ambedkarnagar, 25 in Moradabad, eight in Firozabad, three is Aligarh.
UP Chief Minister Adityanath, who has often spoken of how under his rule the state has been rid of frequent riots, issued a stern warning.
"Strictest action will be taken against the anti-social elements involved in the chaotic efforts to spoil the atmosphere in various cities in the past few days," he said while issuing directives to officials.
"There is no place for such anti-social people in a civilised society. No innocent should be harassed, but not a single guilty should be spared," he said.
Mrityunjay Kumar, the media advisor to the chief minister, in a tweet in Hindi said, "Unruly elements remember, every Friday is followed by a Saturday" and posted a photo of a bulldozer demolishing a building.
Under Chief Minister Adityanath, the state administration has been cracking down on criminals and riot accused, seizing or razing their properties. His critics have often accused him of adopting strong-arm tactics.
Saharanpur's Senior Superintendent of Police Akash Tomar said, "Arrests have been made in connection with Friday's violence. Action will be taken against the arrested people under the National Security Act." In Prayagraj, police have arrested 68 persons including the mastermind of stone-pelting Javed Ahmad alias Pump, and he is being interrogated, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar said.
Police officials in the district also said that NSA will be imposed on all the persons, who have been arrested.
The SSP also informed that cases have been registered against 70 named persons and 5,000 others at Khuldabad and Kareli police stations.
He said that police are using CCTV footage to identify the accused.
Action will be taken against them under the NSA and Gangster Act, he said.
On Friday, people pelted stones at police personnel in Prayagraj and Saharanpur during their protests after Friday prayers in mosques.
At least four other cities witnessed similar scenes during the marches that were carried out to protest against the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad made by now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
In Prayagraj, the mob set on fire a few motorcycles and carts and also attempted to set ablaze a police vehicle. Police used tear gas and lathis to disperse the protesters and restored peace, police said. One police personnel was injured, they said.
Nupur Sharma was suspended by her party as several Islamic nations denounced her comments on the Prophet during a TV debate.
In Saharanpur, protesters shouted slogans against Sharma and demanded the death sentence for her.
There were protests in Bijnor, Moradabad, Rampur and Lucknow. 

Prophet comment row: UP police arrests 237 people for Friday violence

Uttar Pradesh police arrested 237 people from various districts in the state in connection with Friday's violence during protests against the controversial remarks by ex-BJP leaders

Prophet comment row:  UP police arrests 237 people for Friday violence

In Saharanpur and Prayagraj, police officials said action will be taken against those arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

Uttar Pradesh police arrested 237 people from various districts in the state in connection with Friday's violence during protests against the controversial remarks of now-sacked BJP functionaries on Prophet Mohammad, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warning of "strictest" action against those attempting to vitiate the atmosphere.
In Saharanpur and Prayagraj, police officials said action will be taken against those arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
Among those arrested, 68 were held in Prayagraj and 50 in Hathras, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said in a statement on Saturday.
He said 55 people were arrested in Saharanpur, 28 in Ambedkarnagar, 25 in Moradabad, eight in Firozabad, three is Aligarh.
UP Chief Minister Adityanath, who has often spoken of how under his rule the state has been rid of frequent riots, issued a stern warning.
"Strictest action will be taken against the anti-social elements involved in the chaotic efforts to spoil the atmosphere in various cities in the past few days," he said while issuing directives to officials.
"There is no place for such anti-social people in a civilised society. No innocent should be harassed, but not a single guilty should be spared," he said.
Mrityunjay Kumar, the media advisor to the chief minister, in a tweet in Hindi said, "Unruly elements remember, every Friday is followed by a Saturday" and posted a photo of a bulldozer demolishing a building.
Under Chief Minister Adityanath, the state administration has been cracking down on criminals and riot accused, seizing or razing their properties. His critics have often accused him of adopting strong-arm tactics.
Saharanpur's Senior Superintendent of Police Akash Tomar said, "Arrests have been made in connection with Friday's violence. Action will be taken against the arrested people under the National Security Act." In Prayagraj, police have arrested 68 persons including the mastermind of stone-pelting Javed Ahmad alias Pump, and he is being interrogated, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar said.
Police officials in the district also said that NSA will be imposed on all the persons, who have been arrested.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-comment-row-kanpur-authorities-raze-property-of-close-aide-of-main-accused-in-violence-1654956693241" target="_blank">Prophet comment row: Kanpur authorities raze property of close aide of main accused in violence</a>
The SSP also informed that cases have been registered against 70 named persons and 5,000 others at Khuldabad and Kareli police stations.
He said that police are using CCTV footage to identify the accused.
Action will be taken against them under the NSA and Gangster Act, he said.
On Friday, people pelted stones at police personnel in Prayagraj and Saharanpur during their protests after Friday prayers in mosques.
At least four other cities witnessed similar scenes during the marches that were carried out to protest against the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad made by now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
In Prayagraj, the mob set on fire a few motorcycles and carts and also attempted to set ablaze a police vehicle. Police used tear gas and lathis to disperse the protesters and restored peace, police said. One police personnel was injured, they said.
Nupur Sharma was suspended by her party as several Islamic nations denounced her comments on the Prophet during a TV debate.
In Saharanpur, protesters shouted slogans against Sharma and demanded the death sentence for her.
There were protests in Bijnor, Moradabad, Rampur and Lucknow.&nbsp;
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-comment-row-taslima-nasreen-wades-in-says-if-prophet-was-alive-today-1654941553253" target="_blank">Prophet comment row: Taslima Nasreen wades in, says 'If Prophet was alive today...'</a>

Protests against comments on Prophet Mohammad turned violence as protesters resorted to stone-pelting and set vehicles on fire in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. 
According to reports, more than 10 policemen were injured in the violence. The official car of Prayagraj ADG who on the ground to control the law and order was also damaged. 
The police used tear gas to disperse the protesting mob. Around half a dozen people have been reportedly detained by the police. 
Protests had broken out over comments by now suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma and expelled Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal. 

Prophet comment row: stone-pelting and arson in Prayagraj as protests turn violent

Protests against comments on Prophet Mohammad turned violence as protesters resorted to stone-pelting and set vehicles on fire in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. 

According to reports, more than 10 policemen&nbsp;were injured in the violence. The official car of&nbsp;Prayagraj&nbsp;ADG&nbsp;who&nbsp;on the ground to control the law and order was also damaged.&nbsp;

Protests against comments on Prophet Mohammad turned violent as protesters resorted to stone-pelting and set vehicles on fire in Uttar&nbsp;Pradesh's&nbsp;Prayagraj.&nbsp;
According to reports, more than 10 policemen&nbsp;were injured in the violence. The official car of&nbsp;Prayagraj&nbsp;ADG&nbsp;who was on the ground to control the law and order situation was also damaged.&nbsp;
The police used tear gas to disperse the protesting mob.&nbsp;Around half a dozen people have been reportedly detained by the police.&nbsp;
Protests had broken out over comments by now suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma&nbsp;and expelled Delhi unit media head Naveen&nbsp;Jindal.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-comment-row-protests-erupt-in-delhi-s-jama-masjid-1654858073073" target="_blank">Prophet comment row: protests erupt in Delhi's Jama Masjid</a>

Parts of Kashmir observed a shutdown on Friday over the controversial remarks by two now-suspended BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad while the authorities snapped mobile Internet as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Security forces have been deployed in strength at sensitive places in the city and elsewhere in the Valley for maintaining law and order, they said.
The old city -- popularly known as Downtown Srinagar -- witnessed a complete shutdown with public transport off the roads.
However, traffic was plying in Lal Chowk, Batamaloo and adjoining areas with offices and schools remaining open.
Authorities have shut down the Internet on mobile devices in some areas as a precautionary measure to stop rumour-mongers, officials said, adding there were no reports of any untoward incident in the Valley so far.

Prophet remarks row: shutdown in Kashmir, mobile Internet snapped

Security forces have been deployed in strength at sensitive places in the city and elsewhere in the Valley for maintaining law and order.

Parts of Kashmir observed a shutdown on Friday over the controversial remarks by two now-suspended BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad while the authorities snapped mobile Internet as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Security forces have been deployed in strength at sensitive places in the city and elsewhere in the Valley for maintaining law and order, they said.
The old city -- popularly known as Downtown Srinagar -- witnessed a complete shutdown with public transport off the roads.
However, traffic was plying in Lal Chowk, Batamaloo and adjoining areas with offices and schools remaining open. Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-remark-row-curfew-imposed-mobile-internet-shut-in-j-k-s-bhadherwah-1654829285311">&nbsp;Prophet remark row: curfew imposed, mobile internet shut in J&amp;K's Bhadherwah</a>
Authorities have shut down the Internet on mobile devices in some areas as a precautionary measure to stop rumour-mongers, officials said, adding there were no reports of any untoward incident in the Valley so far.

A curfew has been imposed and mobile internet has been shut to foil communal attempts to create communal clashes in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhaderwah district. 
The development comes amid a controversy over the comment made on Prophet Muhammad by the now-expelled BJP leader Nupur Sharma.
Reports said there was an alleged hate speech made by a local cleric and an objectionable post about the Prophet on social media that led to the development.
FIRs have been registered in both the cases. The police have warned that anyone found violating law and order will not be spared.
According to the police, the curfew has been clamped as a precautionary measure with the situation currently normal and under control.

Prophet remark row: curfew imposed, mobile internet shut in J&K's Bhadherwah

The development comes amid a controversy over the comment made on Prophet Muhammad by the now-suspended&nbsp;BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

A curfew has been imposed and mobile internet has been shut to foil communal attempts to create communal clashes in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Bhaderwah district.&nbsp;
The development comes amid a controversy over the comment made on Prophet Muhammad by the now-suspended&nbsp;BJP leader Nupur Sharma.
Reports said there was an alleged hate speech made by a local cleric and an objectionable post about the Prophet on social media that led to the development.
FIRs have been registered in both the cases. The police have warned that anyone found violating law and order will not be spared.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/video-of-muslim-women-urging-mumbai-police-to-arrest-nupur-sharma-goes-viral-1654742929777" target="_blank">Video of Muslim women urging Mumbai police to arrest Nupur Sharma goes viral</a>
According to the police, the curfew has been clamped as a precautionary measure with the situation currently normal and under control.

Upping the ante, Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who is on an official visit to India, has raised concerns about former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s remarks on Prophet Muhammad.   National Security Advisor Doval, according to the Iranian readout, reaffirmed the Indian government's respect for the founder of Prophet Mohammad, saying offenders will be "dealt with in such a way that others will learn a lesson".  India and Iran on Wednesday held wide-ranging talks on trade, connectivity and counter-terror cooperation in the shadow of a controversy over comments on Prophet Muhammad by members of the ruling BJP, who have since been removed and described as "fringe" by New Delhi.  The Iranian foreign minister said, "Muslims are satisfied with the stance of Indian officials in dealing with the culprits." 

Centre denies claims that Iranian minister raised Prophet row in meetings

Iran ups ante, says Ajit Doval promised lesson for Prophet remark offenders

India and Iran on Wednesday held wide-ranging talks on trade, connectivity and counter-terror cooperation in the shadow of a controversy over comments on Prophet Muhammad by members of the ruling&nbsp;BJP.

The Indian government has rejected reports that the issue of the&nbsp;controversial comments about the Prophet&nbsp;was raised&nbsp;by Iran foreign minister during his meeting with Indian officials.&nbsp;The government added that the Iranian readout being referred to in the reports&nbsp;has also been pulled down.&nbsp;
Earlier reports claimed that Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who is on an official visit to India, had raised concerns about former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma&rsquo;s remarks on Prophet Muhammad.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; National Security Advisor Doval, according to the Iranian readout, reaffirmed the Indian government's respect for the founder of Prophet Mohammad, saying offenders will be "dealt with in such a way that others will learn a lesson".&nbsp; &nbsp; India and Iran on Wednesday held wide-ranging talks on trade, connectivity and counter-terror cooperation in the shadow of a controversy over comments on Prophet Muhammad by members of the ruling&nbsp;BJP, who have since been removed and described as "fringe" by New Delhi.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/video-of-muslim-women-urging-mumbai-police-to-arrest-nupur-sharma-goes-viral-1654742929777" target="_blank">Video of Muslim women urging Mumbai police to arrest Nupur Sharma goes viral</a>

The Delhi Police said on Wednesday that it has registered a case against some people who are allegedly spreading messages of hate, inciting various groups and creating situations which is detrimental for the maintenance of public tranquillity.
Among those named in the FIR, registered by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operation (IFSO) unit of the Special Cell, are Naveen Kumar Jindal, Shadab Chauhan, Saba Naqvi, Maulana Mufti Nadeem, Abdur Rehman and Gulzar Ansari, the police said.
The FIR is against several individuals cutting across religions, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO) KPS Malhotra said.
The unit will investigate the roles of various social media entities in promoting false and wrong information with an intention to create unrest on the cyber space and that have ramifications on the physical space thereby compromising with the social fabric of the country, Malhotra said.

Delhi Police name journalist Saba Naqvi among others in case over hate on social media

&nbsp;The Delhi Police said on Wednesday that it has registered a case against some people who are allegedly spreading messages of hate, inciting various groups and creating situations which is detrimental for the maintenance of public tranquillity.
Among those named in the FIR, registered by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operation (IFSO) unit of the Special Cell, are Naveen Kumar Jindal, Shadab Chauhan, Saba Naqvi, Maulana Mufti Nadeem, Abdur Rehman and Gulzar Ansari, the police said.
The FIR is against several individuals cutting across religions, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO) KPS Malhotra said.
The unit will investigate the roles of various social media entities in promoting false and wrong information with an intention to create unrest on the cyber space and that have ramifications on the physical space thereby compromising with the social fabric of the country, Malhotra said.

Delhi Police name journalist Saba Naqvi in case over hate on social media

The Delhi Police said on Wednesday that it has registered a case against some people who are allegedly spreading messages of hate, inciting various groups and creating situations which is detrimental for the maintenance of public tranquillity

The Delhi Police said on Wednesday that it has registered a case against some people who are allegedly spreading messages of hate, inciting various groups and creating situations which is detrimental for the maintenance of public tranquillity.
Among those named in the FIR, registered by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operation (IFSO) unit of the Special Cell, are Naveen Kumar Jindal, Shadab Chauhan, Saba Naqvi, Maulana Mufti Nadeem, Abdur Rehman and Gulzar Ansari, the police said.
The FIR is against several individuals cutting across religions, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO) KPS Malhotra said.
The unit will investigate the roles of various social media entities in promoting false and wrong information with an intention to create unrest on the cyber space and that have ramifications on the physical space thereby compromising with the social fabric of the country, Malhotra said.

The video of a group of Muslim women urging the Mumbai police to arrest suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma over her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad went viral on social media on Wednesday.
The purported video was shot at Pydhonie police station in south Mumbai last week and was uploaded on a social networking site, a senior police official said.
The video, which lasts less than a minute, shows the women asking the police officials to arrest Sharma for her remarks on Prophet Mohammad.
The video shows some women saying that lack of action against Sharma could prompt other people to pass similar remarks.
An FIR was registered against Sharma at Pydhonie Police Station on May 28 for her objectionable remarks.
Mumbai police has sought a video of the TV debate, during which Sharma passed the remarks, from the news channel concerned. The city police are yet to summon Sharma to record her statement in connection with the case, the official said adding investigation is underway.
The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and expelled its Delhi unit media head Naveen Kumar Jindal after a row over their alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad escalated with protests from some Muslim countries. Sharma's comments, made in a TV debate nearly recently, and Jindal's now-deleted tweets sparked a Twitter trend calling for a boycott of Indian products in some Arab countries.

Video of Muslim women urging Mumbai police to arrest Nupur Sharma goes viral

The purported video was shot at Pydhonie police station in south Mumbai last week and was uploaded on a social networking site, a senior police official said.

The video of a group of Muslim women urging the Mumbai police to arrest suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma over her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad went viral on social media on Wednesday.
The purported video was shot at Pydhonie police station in south Mumbai last week and was uploaded on a social networking site, a senior police official said.
The video, which lasts less than a minute, shows the women asking the police officials to arrest Sharma for her remarks on Prophet Mohammad.
The video shows some women saying that lack of action against Sharma could prompt other people to pass similar remarks.
An FIR was registered against Sharma at Pydhonie Police Station on May 28 for her objectionable remarks.
Mumbai police has sought a video of the TV debate, during which Sharma passed the remarks, from the news channel concerned. The city police are yet to summon Sharma to record her statement in connection with the case, the official said adding investigation is underway.
The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and expelled its Delhi unit media head Naveen Kumar Jindal after a row over their alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad escalated with protests from some Muslim countries. Sharma's comments, made in a TV debate nearly recently, and Jindal's now-deleted tweets sparked a Twitter trend calling for a boycott of Indian products in some Arab countries. Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/prophet-comment-row-naseeruddin-shah-urges-pm-modi-to-knock-some-good-sense-into-people-1654712387507">Prophet comment row | Naseeruddin Shah urges PM Modi to 'knock some good sense into people'</a>

Amid global condemnation over BJP leaders comments on Prophet Mohammad, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah on Wednesday said he hopes good sense prevails and the "hate wave" against Muslims dissipates even if that doesn't happen in his lifetime.
In an interview to NDTV, the multiple National Award winner also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in and "stop this poison from spreading".
"I would appeal to him (PM) to knock some good sense into these people. If he believes what was said at the 'Dharam Sansad' in Rishikesh, then he should say so. If he does not, then he should say so," he said.
The BJP on Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal after their controversial remarks against the Prophet.
Amid protests by Muslim groups over the remarks, the party also issued a statement aimed at assuaging the concerns of minorities and distancing itself from these members, asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces the insult of any religious personality.
The controversial remarks also sparked a Twitter trend in the Arab world calling for a boycott of Indian products.
"What the Indian government did was too little, too late. It was a week before they even opened their mouths and said anything condemning these kinds of statements.
"These kinds of statements in a country like Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan, which we hope to include in 'Akhand Bharat' some day, would result in a death sentence because it would be considered blasphemous. Here, there was not a sound from the top and absolutely no acknowledgement of the hurt caused to millions of believers," Shah told NDTV.
After her suspension from the ruling party, Sharma issued an "unconditional apology", something the senior actor dubbed "insincere".
"It's hardly meant to assuage hurt feelings. I wouldn't be surprised if such a hate speech occurs again. It's ironic you talk of peace and unity, you get locked up in jail for more than a year. You talk of genocide and you get a slap on the wrist. There are double standards working here. It's like the double-think of George Orwell's '1984'." Shah said Sharma was not a "fringe element" as the BJP has claimed.
He also argued that it was "high time" that sensible Hindus spoke up against the hate towards the Muslim community.
Shah said he puts "complete responsibility" on TV news channels and social media for "propagating hate".
"It's a manufactured hate. It's a kind of venom that begins to spew when you are confronted with somebody with an opposite opinion... I wonder how long it is before the shivlings start to be searched under every church," Shah said in an apparent reference to the ongoing case of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.
He, however, condemned death threats against Sharma and her family, who are now under Delhi Police's protection.
"This route (threats) is wrong. That's why Pakistan and Afghanistan are in a mess. We do not want to emulate these countries but willy-nilly are we doing so. Not (for) just slaughtering a cow but on the suspicion of slaughtering a cow people are being lynched, untouchables who were skinning a dead cow are whipped in public. These are not the kinds of things that used to happen in India, but in barbaric Islamic countries." Asked if the Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman and Saif - can open up about their thoughts today, Shah said he can't speak for these Bollywood stars.
"They would be risking too much but I don't know how they explain it to their conscience about it. I think they have too much to lose." He also praised Shah Rukh, his co-star of many films such as "Chamatkar" and "Chaahat", for handling media scrutiny with grace last year when his son Aryan was arrested in connection with a drugs case.
He also noted that instead of being acknowledged for all the work done during the lockdown, Sonu Sood gets raided.
Asked to comment on how the film industry was cozying up to the government, Shah said they want to be on the winning side.
"It does look like the BJP is going to stay on the winning side for a while. It's nothing new..." Calling "The Kashmir Files" an "almost fictionalised version of the suffering of the Kashmiri Hindus", the actor said the government is promoting it instead of ensuring the security and rehabilitation for the community.
"It is propaganda and people are willingly participating in it. I fear there will be more such pseudo-patriotic films (in future)." Shah further said he doesn't feel marginalised as a Muslim in India as he comes from p Dashboardrivilege as a senior actor with social capital.
"I'm certainly not disgruntled, or unhappy in the country. This has been the country I've been brought up in, taught to love, the country I've been told I belong to, and I feel I belong to. I'm luckily in a position where I can't be marginalised.
"I'm still getting work, it's not that my anti-establishment statements have resulted in me being blacklisted. I just wish that somehow good sense prevails but I'm not optimistic that will happen very soon. This hate wave will dissipate some day. it may not happen in my lifetime, but it will dissipate some day." 

Prophet comment row | Naseeruddin Shah urges PM Modi to 'knock some good sense into people'

Amid global condemnation over BJP leaders comments on Prophet Mohammad, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah on Wednesday said he hopes good sense prevails and the "hate wave" against Muslims dissipates even if that doesn't happen in his lifetime.

Speaking about the statement issued by the Indian govt after protests by Arab countries condemning the comments by BJP leaders, Naseeruddin Shah said that what the Indian govt did was too little, too late.

Amid global condemnation over BJP leaders comments on Prophet Mohammad, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah on Wednesday said he hopes good sense prevails and the "hate wave" against Muslims dissipates even if that doesn't happen in his lifetime.
In an interview to NDTV, the multiple National Award winner also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in and "stop this poison from spreading".
"I would appeal to him (PM) to knock some good sense into these people. If he believes what was said at the 'Dharam Sansad' in Rishikesh, then he should say so. If he does not, then he should say so," he said.
The BJP on Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal after their controversial remarks against the Prophet.
Amid protests by Muslim groups over the remarks, the party also issued a statement aimed at assuaging the concerns of minorities and distancing itself from these members, asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces the insult of any religious personality.
The controversial remarks also sparked a Twitter trend in the Arab world calling for a boycott of Indian products.
"What the Indian government did was too little, too late. It was a week before they even opened their mouths and said anything condemning these kinds of statements.
"These kinds of statements in a country like Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan, which we hope to include in 'Akhand Bharat' some day, would result in a death sentence because it would be considered blasphemous. Here, there was not a sound from the top and absolutely no acknowledgement of the hurt caused to millions of believers," Shah told NDTV.
After her suspension from the ruling party, Sharma issued an "unconditional apology", something the senior actor dubbed "insincere".
"It's hardly meant to assuage hurt feelings. I wouldn't be surprised if such a hate speech occurs again. It's ironic you talk of peace and unity, you get locked up in jail for more than a year. You talk of genocide and you get a slap on the wrist. There are double standards working here. It's like the double-think of George Orwell's '1984'." Shah said Sharma was not a "fringe element" as the BJP has claimed.
He also argued that it was "high time" that sensible Hindus spoke up against the hate towards the Muslim community.
Shah said he puts "complete responsibility" on TV news channels and social media for "propagating hate".
"It's a manufactured hate. It's a kind of venom that begins to spew when you are confronted with somebody with an opposite opinion... I wonder how long it is before the shivlings start to be searched under every church," Shah said in an apparent reference to the ongoing case of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.
He, however, condemned death threats against Sharma and her family, who are now under Delhi Police's protection.
"This route (threats) is wrong. That's why Pakistan and Afghanistan are in a mess. We do not want to emulate these countries but willy-nilly are we doing so. Not (for) just slaughtering a cow but on the suspicion of slaughtering a cow people are being lynched, untouchables who were skinning a dead cow are whipped in public. These are not the kinds of things that used to happen in India, but in barbaric Islamic countries." Asked if the Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman and Saif - can open up about their thoughts today, Shah said he can't speak for these Bollywood stars.
"They would be risking too much but I don't know how they explain it to their conscience about it. I think they have too much to lose." He also praised Shah Rukh, his co-star of many films such as "Chamatkar" and "Chaahat", for handling media scrutiny with grace last year when his son Aryan was arrested in connection with a drugs case.
He also noted that instead of being acknowledged for all the work done during the lockdown, Sonu Sood gets raided.
Asked to comment on how the film industry was cozying up to the government, Shah said they want to be on the winning side.
"It does look like the BJP is going to stay on the winning side for a while. It's nothing new..." Calling "The Kashmir Files" an "almost fictionalised version of the suffering of the Kashmiri Hindus", the actor said the government is promoting it instead of ensuring the security and rehabilitation for the community.
"It is propaganda and people are willingly participating in it. I fear there will be more such pseudo-patriotic films (in future)." Shah further said he doesn't feel marginalised as a Muslim in India as he comes from p<a title="Dashboard" href="../site/index"> Dashboard</a>rivilege as a senior actor with social capital.
"I'm certainly not disgruntled, or unhappy in the country. This has been the country I've been brought up in, taught to love, the country I've been told I belong to, and I feel I belong to. I'm luckily in a position where I can't be marginalised.
"I'm still getting work, it's not that my anti-establishment statements have resulted in me being blacklisted. I just wish that somehow good sense prevails but I'm not optimistic that will happen very soon. This hate wave will dissipate some day. it may not happen in my lifetime, but it will dissipate some day."&nbsp;

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said 'fringe' is the BJP's core and highlighted some past statements of top BJP leaders holding senior positions in the government.
His remarks came after the India Missions in Kuwait and Qatar in their statements dubbed the controversial remarks of BJP's now-sacked spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal on Prophet Mohammad as those of "fringe elements" after these countries lodged their protest.
While the government distanced itself from such remarks and the BJP suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal, the Ministry of External Affairs later said the statements by some individuals do not represent that of the government.
"'Fringe' is BJP's core," Gandhi said in a tweet while sharing headlines of news reports on statements of BJP leaders like Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Anurag Thakur and Sadhvi Pragya.
In the image tweeted by him, media reports quote Shah as calling Bangladeshi migrants "termites" and Yogi Adityanath saying that "women not capable of being left free or independent".
Anurag Thakur is quoted as saying, "desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaro saalon ko" and Sadhvi Pragya's remark on Nathuram Godse is also mentioned.
The remarks made by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal on Prophet Mohammad drew international condemnation with some Islamic countries demanding an apology. The Congress has asked why the country should apologise and face the consequences of the "misdeeds" of BJP leaders.

'Fringe' is BJP's core: Rahul Gandhi wades in on the Prophet comment row 

''Fringe' is BJP's core,' Gandhi said in a tweet while sharing headlines of news reports on statements of BJP leaders like Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Anurag Thakur and Sadhvi Pragya

''Fringe' is BJP's core,' Gandhi said in a tweet while sharing headlines of news reports on statements of BJP leaders like Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Anurag Thakur and Sadhvi Pragya

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said 'fringe' is the BJP's core and highlighted some past statements of top BJP leaders holding senior positions in the government.
His remarks came after the India Missions in Kuwait and Qatar in their statements dubbed the controversial remarks of BJP's now-sacked spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal on Prophet Mohammad as those of "fringe elements" after these countries lodged their protest.
While the government distanced itself from such remarks and the BJP suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal, the Ministry of External Affairs later said the statements by some individuals do not represent that of the government.
 "'Fringe' is BJP's core," Gandhi said in a tweet while sharing headlines of news reports on statements of BJP leaders like Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Anurag Thakur and Sadhvi Pragya.
 In the image tweeted by him, media reports quote Shah as calling Bangladeshi migrants "termites" and Yogi Adityanath saying that "women not capable of being left free or independent".
 Anurag Thakur is quoted as saying, "desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaro saalon ko" and Sadhvi Pragya's remark on Nathuram Godse is also mentioned.
 The remarks made by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal on Prophet Mohammad drew international condemnation with some Islamic countries demanding an apology. The Congress has asked why the country should apologise and face the consequences of the "misdeeds" of BJP leaders.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/bjp-action-against-its-leaders-placatory-taken-following-threats-from-external-powers-congress-1654449990462" target="_blank">BJP action against its leaders placatory, taken following 'threats from external powers': Congress</a>

A day after terror group Al-Qaeda in the Subcontinent (AQIS) threatened attacks in several parts of India over the ongoing Prophet Mohammad row, Shiv Sena leader has responded.
Priyanka Chaturvedi on Wednesday said the West Asian countries that protested the remarks on Prophet Mohammad should also unequivocally denounce the threats from Al-Qaeda made in the aftermath of the controversy.
Taking to Twitter, the Rajya Sabha member wrote, 'Threats from Islamist terror groups such as Al Qaeda should be unequivocally denounced by these Middle East nations as well. Respecting religious sentiments is one thing, issuing threats based on it (is) another. No religion is so fragile that words of a few can bring down their faith.'
Miffed over the now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's remarks on Prophet Mohammad, Al-Qaeda had warned of terror attacks in Delhi, Bombay, UP and Gujarat.

'Words of few can't bring down faith': Shiv Sena leader on Al-Qaeda threat

Miffed over the now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's remarks on Prophet Mohammad, Al-Qaeda had warned of terror attacks in Delhi, Bombay, UP and Gujarat.

A day after terror group Al-Qaeda in the Subcontinent (AQIS) threatened attacks in several parts of India over comments by now suspended BJP&nbsp;leader Nupur&nbsp;Sharma&nbsp;against Prophet Mohammed, Shiv&nbsp;Sena&nbsp;MP Priyanka&nbsp;Chaturvedi&nbsp;has urged West Asian countries to denounce the statement
Chaturvedi on Wednesday said the West Asian countries that protested the remarks on Prophet Mohammad should also unequivocally denounce the threats from Al-Qaeda made in the aftermath of the controversy.
Taking to Twitter, the Rajya Sabha member wrote that threats from Islamist terror groups such as Al Qaeda should be unequivocally denounced by Middle East nations as well. She added that respecting religious sentiments is one thing and issuing threats based on it is another. Chaturvedi&nbsp;went to say that no religion is so fragile that words of a few can bring it down.&nbsp;
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Miffed over the now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's remarks on Prophet Mohammad, Al-Qaeda had warned of terror attacks in Delhi, Bombay, UP and Gujarat.

A BJP leader was arrested for sharing an inflammatory post on Twitter on Prophet Mohammad.
A case was lodged against Harshit Srivastava, whose Twitter bio read as the BJP's youth head of Kanpur, with the Colonelgunj Police. 
The arrest comes days after clashes broke out in Kanpur over remarks against the Prophet by the now-suspended BJP spokesperson, Nupur Sharma.
The BJP, facing extreme international backlash over the comments made by its party leaders, suspended Nupur Sharma and expelled Naveen Kumar Jindal for their remarks on the Prophet.
The foreign ministry, in an attempt to firefight on war footing, called the comments “views of the fringe”.

UP News: BJP youth leader arrested for post on Prophet Muhammad in Kanpur

Kanpur: BJP youth leader arrested for post on Prophet

The BJP, facing extreme international backlash over the comments made by its party leaders, suspended Nupur Sharma and expelled Naveen Kumar Jindal for their remarks on the Prophet.

A BJP leader was arrested for sharing an inflammatory post on Twitter on Prophet Muhammad. A case was lodged against Harshit Srivastava, whose Twitter bio read as the BJP's youth head of Kanpur, with the Colonelgunj Police.&nbsp;
The arrest comes days after clashes broke out in Kanpur over remarks against the Prophet by the now-suspended BJP spokesperson, Nupur Sharma.
The BJP, facing extreme international backlash over the comments made by its party leaders, suspended Nupur Sharma and expelled Naveen Kumar Jindal for their remarks on the Prophet.
Also Watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/un-on-prophet-remarks-row-as-more-nations-join-backlash-1654578035608">&nbsp;UN on Prophet remarks row as more nations join backlash</a>
The foreign ministry, in an attempt to firefight on war footing, called the comments &ldquo;views of the fringe&rdquo;.

After Muslim countries, terrorist organisations have waded into the controversy sparked by BJP leaders' comments on Mohammad, who is considered a prophet, or messenger of Allah, by followers of Islam.
Al Qaeda threatened terror attacks in India over comments made by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal which had led to punitive action by BJP. In a statement, AQIS or Al Qaeda in the Subcontinent, said that Hindutva is a "system and philosophy which is hostile to the religion and Shariah of Allah".
The terrorist organisation said that its members would "bind explosives" to their bodies and their children's bodies to attack those who "dishonoured" Mohammad. Al Qaeda named Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat as places that it would target in India.
In April 2022, Al Qaeda's chief Ayman Al Zawahiri had released a video commenting on the hijab controversy in the Indian state of Karnataka. Regarding the ban on the Islamic headdress for women inside classrooms, Al Zawahiri had asked Muslims to "fight intellectually, using the media and with weapons on the battlefield".
The UN designated terrorist had also praised the student protesting against the hijab ban.

Al Qaeda threatens India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad controversy, warns of suicide bombings in Delhi, Mumbai, UP, Gujarat

Al Qaeda threatens India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad controversy, names 4 target places


Al Qaeda threatened terror attacks in India over comments made by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal against Mohammad, who is considered a prophet, or messenger of Allah, by followers of Islam.

After Muslim countries, terrorist organisations have waded into the controversy sparked by BJP leaders' comments on Mohammad, who is considered a prophet, or messenger of Allah, by followers of Islam.
Al Qaeda threatened terror attacks in India over comments made by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal which had led to punitive action by BJP. In a statement, AQIS or Al Qaeda in the Subcontinent, said that Hindutva is a "system and philosophy which is hostile to the religion and Shariah of Allah".
The terrorist organisation said that its members would "bind explosives" to their bodies and their children's bodies to attack those who "dishonoured" Mohammad. Al Qaeda named Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat as places that it would target in India.
In April 2022, Al Qaeda's chief Ayman Al Zawahiri had released a video commenting on the hijab controversy in the Indian state of Karnataka. Regarding the ban on the Islamic headdress for women inside classrooms, Al Zawahiri had asked Muslims to "fight intellectually, using the media and with weapons on the battlefield".
The UN designated terrorist had also praised the student protesting against the hijab ban.
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The Delhi Police has provided security to suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and her family after an FIR was registered on a complaint that she was getting death threats over her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, officials said on Tuesday.
She had requested the police to provide security citing harassment and threats she had been receiving.
"Sharma and her family have been provided police security after she alleged that she has been receiving threats and was being harassed over her remarks," an official said.
The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and expelled its Delhi unit media head Naveen Kumar Jindal as the row over their alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad escalated with protests from some Muslim countries.
Amid demonstrations by Muslim groups and the sharp reaction from countries like Kuwait, Qatar and Iran, the BJP issued a statement asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces insults of any religious personality.
Sharma's comments, made during a TV debate nearly 10 days ago, and Jindal's now-deleted tweets sparked a Twitter trend calling for a boycott of Indian products in some countries.
After the action, Sharma unconditionally withdrew her controversial statement and claimed that her comments were a reaction to "continuous insult and disrespect towards our Mahadev (Lord Shiva)”.
Police said on May 28, its cyber cell unit received a complaint from Sharma against various persons about death threats and targeted hatred.
Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered under IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 507 (Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication) and 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) against unknown people.
"During the probe, another complaint was received from Sharma against certain persons promoting enmity. Following this, Section 153A of IPC was added to the case.
"Notices have been sent to Twitter Inc. and a reply from it is awaited. Investigation into the case is underway," the senior police official said.

Prophet remark row: Delhi Police give security cover to Nupur Sharma

Sharma had requested the police to provide security citing harassment and threats she had been receiving.

The Delhi Police has provided security to suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and her family after an FIR was registered on a complaint that she was getting death threats over her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, officials said on Tuesday.
She had requested the police to provide security citing harassment and threats she had been receiving.
"Sharma and her family have been provided police security after she alleged that she has been receiving threats and was being harassed over her remarks," an official said.
The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and expelled its Delhi unit media head Naveen Kumar Jindal as the row over their alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad escalated with protests from some Muslim countries.
Amid demonstrations by Muslim groups and the sharp reaction from countries like Kuwait, Qatar and Iran, the BJP issued a statement asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces insults of any religious personality.
Sharma's comments, made during a TV debate nearly 10 days ago, and Jindal's now-deleted tweets sparked a Twitter trend calling for a boycott of Indian products in some countries.
After the action, Sharma unconditionally withdrew her controversial statement and claimed that her comments were a reaction to "continuous insult and disrespect towards our Mahadev (Lord Shiva)&rdquo;.
Police said on May 28, its cyber cell unit received a complaint from Sharma against various persons about death threats and targeted hatred.
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Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered under IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 507 (Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication) and 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) against unknown people.
"During the probe, another complaint was received from Sharma against certain persons promoting enmity. Following this, Section 153A of IPC was added to the case.
"Notices have been sent to Twitter Inc. and a reply from it is awaited. Investigation into the case is underway," the senior police official said.

Amid sharp reaction from several Muslim nations over remarks by BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammed, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that “we strongly encourage respect and tolerance for all religions.” The spokesperson was responding to a question by a Pakistani journalist on the condemnation by several Muslim nations over remarks by BJP’s former national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal against the Prophet and the Secretary General’s response to it.
“I've seen stories. I haven't seen the remarks themselves, but I mean, regardless, I can tell you that we strongly encourage respect and tolerance for all religions,” Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said on Monday at the daily press briefing.
The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal as the row over their remarks against the Prophet escalated with protests from many Muslim countries.
Amid demonstrations by Muslim groups and the sharp reaction from countries like Kuwait, Qatar and Iran, the BJP had issued a statement asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces insults of any religious personality.
Seeking to defuse a diplomatic row, spokespersons of the Indian Embassy in Qatar and Kuwait said on Sunday that the Ambassadors have "conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements." Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain and Afghanistan and the Maldives on Monday joined several Muslim nations to condemn the controversial remarks of BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammed, stressing the importance of respecting all religious beliefs.

UN on Prophet Muhammad remarks row: we strongly encourage respect and tolerance for all religions

UN on Prophet remarks row as more nations join backlash

The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal as the row over their remarks against the Prophet escalated with protests from many Muslim countries.

Amid sharp reaction from several Muslim nations over remarks by BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammed, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that &ldquo;we strongly encourage respect and tolerance for all religions.&rdquo;
The spokesperson was responding to a question by a Pakistani journalist on the condemnation by several Muslim nations over remarks by BJP&rsquo;s former national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal against the Prophet and the Secretary General&rsquo;s response to it.
&ldquo;I've seen stories. I haven't seen the remarks themselves, but I mean, regardless, I can tell you that we strongly encourage respect and tolerance for all religions,&rdquo; Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said on Monday at the daily press briefing.
The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal as the row over their remarks against the Prophet escalated with protests from many Muslim countries.
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Amid demonstrations by Muslim groups and the sharp reaction from countries like Kuwait, Qatar and Iran, the BJP had issued a statement asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces insults of any religious personality.
Seeking to defuse a diplomatic row, spokespersons of the Indian Embassy in Qatar and Kuwait said on Sunday that the Ambassadors have "conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India.
These are the views of fringe elements." Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain and Afghanistan and the Maldives on Monday joined several Muslim nations to condemn the controversial remarks of BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammed, stressing the importance of respecting all religious beliefs.

India on Monday hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its criticism of the country in the wake of the alleged derogatory remarks made against Prophet Mohammed by two BJP functionaries.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India categorically rejects the OIC Secretariat's "unwarranted and narrow-minded comments" and asserted that New Delhi accords the highest respect to all religions.
"The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India," Bagchi said.
He said strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies.
The BJP has already suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma while it expelled the party's Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for their controversial remarks following widespread anger in several Gulf countries over their comments.
Amid protests by Muslim groups over the remarks, the party had also issued a statement aimed at assuaging the concerns of minorities and distancing itself from these members, asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces the insult of any religious personality.
Bagchi said, "It is regrettable that OIC Secretariat has yet again chosen to make motivated, misleading and mischievous comments. This only exposes its divisive agenda being pursued at the behest of vested interests".
The MEA spokesperson was responding to media queries on the comments by the OIC.
"We would urge the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all faiths and religions," he said.
The OIC had slammed India for the comments against the Prophet even urged the UN to take necessary measures to ensure that the rights of Muslims are protected.

India rejects OIC's comments over controversial remarks about Prophet Mohammad

India on Monday hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)&nbsp;for its criticism of the country in the wake of the alleged derogatory remarks made about Prophet Mohammed by two BJP functionaries

India on Monday hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)&nbsp;for its criticism of the country in the wake of the alleged derogatory remarks made about Prophet Mohammed by two BJP functionaries.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India categorically rejects the OIC Secretariat's "unwarranted and narrow-minded comments" and asserted that New Delhi accords the highest respect to all religions.
"The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India," Bagchi said.
He said strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies.
The BJP has already suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma while it expelled the party's Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for their controversial remarks following widespread anger in several Gulf countries over their comments.
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Amid protests by Muslim groups over the remarks, the party had also issued a statement aimed at assuaging the concerns of minorities and distancing itself from these members, asserting that it respects all religions and strongly denounces the insult of any religious personality.
Bagchi said, "It is regrettable that OIC Secretariat has yet again chosen to make motivated, misleading and mischievous comments. This only exposes its divisive agenda being pursued at the behest of vested interests".
The MEA spokesperson was responding to media queries on the comments by the OIC.
"We would urge the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its communal approach and show due respect to all faiths and religions," he said.
The OIC had slammed India for the comments against the Prophet even urged the UN to take necessary measures to ensure that the rights of Muslims are protected.

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