UP police books Samajwadi Party leader for comparing Taliban with the Indian freedom fighters

Lucknow, August 18: Uttar Pradesh police took action against the Samajwadi Party MP Shafiqur Rehman Barq for equating the Taliban terrorists with the Indian freedom fighters. Police have booked Barq for sedition, promoting enmity, and hurting religious sentiments.

 

 

 

On 16 August, while talking with the private media house, Barq praised the Taliban terrorist and even equated the Taliban with the capturing of Afghanistan to that of India's freedom struggle.

 

He had said that the Taliban is fighting for the freedom of their country and it is an internal matter of Afghanistan. "When India was under British rule, our country fought for freedom. Now the Taliban wants to free their country and run it. Taliban is a force that does not allow even strong countries like Russia and the US to settle in their country," Barq had said.

 

 

 

Following which police booked him under sections 124a (Sedition), 153a (Promoting enmity between groups), and 295a (outraging religious feelings). Police took the action after BJP leaders Rajesh Singhal, Zonal Vice president, and Omveer Khadagwanshi, BJP district president filed a written complaint against it in the police station.

 

 

 

Following the controversy, SP MP tried to cover up the mess and said that he did not compare the Taliban with Indian freedom fighters and his statement has been misinterpreted. "I'm a citizen of India, not of Afghanistan, so I have no business with what is happening there. I support my government's policies," Barq said.

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