Severe violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur area days after BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma got death threats for allegedly committing ‘blasphemy’ against Prophet Muhammad. The Muslim community in the neighbourhood had called for a shutdown to oppose Sharma, and the protest turned violent after Friday prayers.
Muslim community members pelted stones at State Police and other persons in the Becongunj district near Yatimkhana, according to reports. A storm of controversy erupted after Muslim activist Hayat Zafar Hashmi called for a “market bandh” in response to Sharma’s alleged remarks last week.
On June 3, hundreds of Islamists joined the protest and began throwing stones after Friday Namaz. The police retaliated by lathi-charging some of the protestors in response to the violence. The intense stone pelting continued occasionally as they attempted to gain control of the situation.
According to reports, Islamists staged a procession to protest against the BJP spokesperson, during which a few shots were fired. As a result of the incident, the police have dispatched personnel from roughly 12 police stations to the area.
At least six people have been injured in the violence that broke out on the day when both the Prime Minister and the President of India are in the state. Top investors of the country are also currently attending Uttar Pradesh Investors Summit 2022 ceremony in Kanpur to explore investment opportunities.
