Srinagar, Aug 17 (GNS): People on Monday held protest demonstrations at various parts of Jammu and Kashmir against blasphemous remarks made by a self-styled godman against Prophet of Islam in Ramban area of Jammu division.
Reports said scores of people on Monday staged a protest demonstration in Sogam Lolab area of Kupwara.
The protests spearheaded by president Lolab Youth Organisation Er. Mudasir Ahmad saw participation of scores of locals including children and old people from Sogam and its adjacent areas.
Urging the administration to step in, the people demanded that “such unscrupulous elements be dealt with sternly to serve a message to other such like-minded people to avoid communal hatred.”
On the ocassion people raised slogans of “Dhongi Baba Haie Haie”, “Gustaaki Na Manzoor”, “Gustaakh Ko Phaansi Do”.
A local on the ocassion said that, “any act of dishonour against the Prophet of Islam (SAW) is unacceptable to every Muslim of the world and to raise voice against this act is the matter of faith for every Muslim.”
“Our prophet is our honour and pride and we can’t compromise on this”, another local said adding “We demand a strict punishment to all those involved in this act otherwise we will hit the roads again.”
The people later on dispersed from the venue peacefully.
Protest demonstrations have also been reported from Tral town of Pulwama district.
The agitated people asked the administration “to take immediate action and hang the culprits involved in the derogatory act.” Reports of peaceful protests were received from other parts of the valley including Batamaloo and Nowhatta.
Protests were also held in Banihal area in Ramban district of Jammu as people demanded action against the self-styled guru and others responsible for posting a derogatory video.
Hundreds of shopkeepers and people from adjoining villages assembled in the town around 8:30 am and carried out a protest march.
All shops and other business establishments remained closed in Banihal and adjoining markets.
Traffic movement remained affected on the Jammu-Srinagar highway for some time due to the protest.
Police have been arrested two persons after a communally sensitive video “hurting sentiments of a community” went viral on social media.
A senior police officer said that the three persons who have been arrested include Satpal Sharma, Deepak and Rohit. The officer appealed people not to share the video “as it will hurt the brotherhood.”
Shutdown in Chenab
There was a strike in the entire Chenab Valley including Kishtwar. The strike was observed in Doda, Bhaderwah and Ramban. (GNS)