The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Telangana has submitted a formal complaint to the Hyderabad Commissioner of Police on Sunday, urging the cancellation of a public meeting scheduled for January 27, 2025, under the banner of the Miraj-un-Nabi Conference. Organized by the All India Rahmate Alam Committee, the event is set to feature the controversial Islamic Mufti Salman Azhari, whose inflammatory speeches and criminal history have raised serious concerns.
In the letter, VHP National Spokesperson Dr. Ravinuthala Shashidhar highlighted Azhari’s history of hate-filled speeches, stating: “It is well-documented that Mufti Salman Azhari has a history of delivering inflammatory and hate-filled speeches, regularly instigating Muslim youth against Hindus and particularly targeting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. His statements are highly divisive and have the potential to disrupt communal harmony.”
The VHP further emphasized Azhari’s criminal record, adding: “Several criminal cases have been registered against Mufti Salman Azhari across the country. He has previously been detained under the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) due to his involvement in activities detrimental to public order.”
The VHP voiced concerns that Mufti Salman Azhari’s participation in the Miraj-un-Nabi Conference could pose a serious threat to Hyderabad’s communal harmony and law-and-order situation. To prevent any potential disruptions, the organization has demanded the cancellation of the event scheduled for January 27, 2025. Additionally, the VHP urged authorities to bar Azhari from entering Hyderabad or addressing any public gatherings and called for the deployment of adequate measures to maintain peace and ensure communal harmony in the city.
Dr. Shashidhar reiterated in the letter:”Given the volatile nature of his speeches and his criminal record, we strongly believe that allowing him to participate in the Miraj-un-Nabi Conference poses a significant threat to the law-and-order situation in Hyderabad.”
Background on Mufti Salman Azhari
Mufti Salman Azhari, an Islamic scholar, has a contentious history of divisive rhetoric. On December 31, 2023, during a public address in Junagadh, Gujarat, Azhari referred to the current era as “a time for dogs” while ominously warning that “their time will come.”
"Today it is the time of these dogs (Hindus), Tomorrow our (Muslim) time will come" – Mufti Muhammad Salman Azhari.
He made this hateful speech at Junagarh, Gujarat in front of thousands of his Muslim followers.
Apart from his arrest and parading on the street. His house bull… pic.twitter.com/dz4u1lCzyE
— Arun Pudur (@arunpudur) February 2, 2024
In February 2024, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Azhari in Mumbai for his inflammatory remarks. He was detained under PASA and remained in custody until October 2024. His release was supported by AIMIM and other Islamic organizations, who called for the withdrawal of cases against him.
