Protestors on Jama Masjid demand Nupur Sharma's head
The protesters were demanding the suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma"s head chopped off.
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New Delhi, Jun 10: A massive peaceful protest and sloganeering were held after Friday prayers at Delhi's Jama Masjid against inflammatory speeches made by former BJP functionaries against Prophet Mohammad.
The protesters were demanding the suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's head chopped off. The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid said the mosque authorities gave no call for protest. The initial protest had lasted for about half an hour, following which the protesters dispersed. They later gathered again.
Protests were also held in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Deoband, and Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh over the same issue. In Saharanpur, locals staged protests and tried to march towards the Ghantaghar after Friday prayers in the Nawabganj area. Police resorted to baton-charge to disperse the crowd. The situation was tense, but under control at the moment.
Violent clashes erupted a week ago in Kanpur after two groups protested over the controversial speeches of Sharma at a television debate. The remarks have also led to international condemnation. The BJP has suspended Sharma and expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Jindal over their remarks on the Prophet.
The Delhi Police said legal action would be taken against the protesters as there was no permission for the stir at Jama Masjid. Central District DCP Shweta Chauhan said, “Almost 1,500 people had gathered in Jama Masjid for Friday prayers. After the prayers, nearly 300 people came out and started to protest over inflammatory remarks by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal. Within 10-15 minutes, we managed to bring the situation under control. Protests were done on the street, without any permission so legal action will be taken.”