Protest over ‘I Love Mohammad’ poster row turns violent in Punjab's Jalandhar

A nationwide protest by the Muslim community over the ‘I Love Mohammad’ poster row led to unrest in Punjab's Jalandhar this evening. Around 4 pm, a group of Muslims was protesting outside the district administrative complex, holding a banner with the words ‘I Love Mohammad’ and chanting slogans. When a youth passed by on his scooter and responded with ‘Jai Shree Ram’, the situation escalated.

The Muslims stopped Yogesh Maini, a BJP activist, and forcibly took away his scooter keys. There were allegations that he was also beaten up. BJP leaders, led by former MLA KD Bhandari, who were already meeting the Police Commissioner inside the complex, rushed to Maini’s rescue. Other BJP leaders and Hindu activists, including Amit Taneja, Pardeep Khullar, Ravi Mahendru, and Ashok Sareen Hikky, arrived at the scene and later gathered at BMC Chowk to protest.

The protesters chanted ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans and demanded immediate registration of an FIR. ADCP Naresh Dogra assured them that FIR number 177 was being issued against the Muslim leaders under relevant sections of the BNS, including Sections 115 (voluntary causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 299 (act to outrage religious feelings).

The BJP leaders vacated the site after receiving the assurance and provided names to be added to the FIR. They demanded the accused be arrested by 11 am the next morning, failing which they would lodge another protest.

Meanwhile, former India hockey captain and Congress MLA Pargat Singh appealed to all communities in Jalandhar to maintain peace and brotherhood.