J&K: 6 held for inciting sectarian unrest

Srinagar: Amid public outrage over using of ostensible unsavoury words against the first three caliphs of Islam in a stanza by a Shia zakir (elocutionist), the Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested six persons and charged them with inciting sectarian unrest.

Meanwhile, both Shia and Sunni religious leaders and organisations have strongly condemned the “provocative act” and appealed to the people to maintain peace and sectarian harmony.

After a video showing the reciting of the controversial verses before a religious gathering here went viral, many people took to the social media platforms to express their disapproval and anger. However, some people in retaliation also chose to target the Shia Muslims over their certain religious beliefs, furthering tensions. This prompted the police to act against half a dozen “miscreants” and warn others of “same fate” as “We are watching.”

Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu and Kashmir, an amalgam of religious organisations-both Sunni and Shia- expressed its grave concern over the attempts “to disrupt communal harmony and brotherhood in the region by stoking sectarian tensions”. It termed the “derogatory remarks” made by an individual against the revered companions of Prophet Muhammad and his “highly guided successors” as hurtful and unacceptable.

“The companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) hold an exalted status in Islam, and any disrespect towards them is a grave affront to the sentiments of the Muslim Ummah and cannot be tolerated. Such statements are not only against the spirit of Islamic teachings but also serve as a deliberate attempt to divide our community, which has a long-standing tradition of unity and mutual respect in J&K,” it said in a statement issued here.

All J&K Shia Association in a post on ‘X’ said, “In light of the recent controversy, we deeply regret any hurt caused. We urge the authorities to take strong action against those fuelling hatred on social media now. Let us all come together in respect and unity for the well-being of our Muslim Ummah.”

The Srinagar police said that six “miscreants” have been charged under sections 126 and 170 of the BNSS and detained at Srinagar Central Jail for inciting sectarian unrest through derogatory remarks.

It warned that any individual found engaging in similar unlawful activities, including posting or sharing sectarian content with the intent to create division or disturb public harmony, will meet the same fate.

In a similar warning, the J&K Cyber Police have said that they are actively monitoring social media platforms for any malicious content aimed at disturbing peace. “Strict legal action will be taken against violators under the relevant provisions of the law,” said Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime Kashmir said. He added, “Cyber Police Kashmir remains committed to fostering a safe and secure online environment. Citizens are encouraged to report any such content through the official helpline or email.”