Muslims should abide by law, avoid violence: Maulana of Bareilly appeals

Lucknow, Dt

Demonstrations in several cities in Uttar Pradesh on Friday demanding the arrest of Nupur Sharma turned violent. Now even the Hindu saints are involved in this whole controversy. He supported Nupur Sharma. Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi of Bareilly, on the other hand, appealed to Muslims to maintain peace and refrain from violence. A good Muslim is one who does not hurt anyone with his deeds and words. I therefore appeal to all to abide by the law.

Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi of Bareilly advised Muslims to follow the law when protesting. He said that a good Muslim is one who never resorted to violence. We have a democratic right to hold demonstrations everywhere, but these demonstrations must be carried out within the law. Muslims avoid violence and maintain peace.

After the violent protests in Uttar Pradesh, a meeting of the Kashi Dharma Parishad was held in which he supported Nupur Sharma and warned him to take to the streets to save the country from jihadi elements. The Vaishnava Virakta Samaj held a meeting of the Kashi Dharma Parishad at Sudama Kutir in Hartirath on Saturday, demanding registration of an FIR against those who tampered with the Shivling. At the meeting, the saints in one voice strongly condemned the violence that took place across the country after Friday prayers. He described the violent incidents as horrific and frightening to Indians. Twelve resolutions were passed in this Dharma Parishad, which will be sent to Dharmacharyas, Central and State Governments across the country.

At the meeting of the Dharma Parishad, the saints said that the way the jihadi elements are burning the country after praying, the saint society will never accept it. The council meeting, chaired by Mahant Balakdas Maharaj of Patalpuri Math, demanded action against those who cut Nupur Sharma's throat and threatened to rape her.