Prophet Remarks Row: Protests Break Out In Delhi, Ludhiana, UP, Kolkata, Hyderabad Post Friday Prayers | Key Points

Prophet Remarks Row: The fresh round of agitations comes a week after violence had erupted in parts of Kanpur after Friday prayers between members of two communities.

Security during Friday prayers in Kanpur

Source : PTI

Massive protests broke out in Delhi, Punjab, Hyderabad, Kolkata and parts of Uttar Pradesh after Friday prayers over suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad. The fresh round of agitations comes a week after violence had erupted in parts of Kanpur after Friday prayers between members of two communities over attempts to shut shops in protest against the remarks.

The development comes as India scrambles to contain a diplomatic storm that has erupted in Islamic countries. Last week, BJP, under pressure from the Opposition, suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the party's Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for allegedly making the derogatory comments.

Here Are The Top Developments In This Story:

•  Protests broke out at several places in Uttar Pradesh after Friday prayers. A senior UP Police official said sloganeering took place in Saharanpur, Moradabad, Rampur and Lucknow. People raised slogans and pelted stones in the Atala area of Prayagraj after the Friday prayers ended. A video tweeted by ANI showed Prayagraj ADG's vehicle damaged in the stone pelting.
  
•  In Delhi's Jama Masjid, a large crowd gathered carrying placards and shouting slogans against Sharma and Naveen Jindal. The peaceful agitation lasted for around 15 to 20 minutes. The protesters were dispersed from the area later.
• Delhi Police said the situation has been brought under control. Teams of the police and the CISF have been deployed in the area. "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 the inflammatory remarks," ANI quoted DCP Central District, Shweta Chauhan, as saying.
• In West Bengal, a large number of people gathered in protest at Park Circus in Kolkata and in Howrah. On Thursday, protesters had blocked the National Highway connecting Howrah and the capital Kolkata.
  
•  Protests erupted outside Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad after Friday prayers against the controversial remarks by Nupur Sharma. Later, with the intervention of the police, protesters were dispersed from the spot. Police force and CRPF have been stationed in the area.
  
• After a protest call by Ludhiana Jama Masjid, agitations were held across Punjab demanding the arrest of those who disrespected the Prophet, ANI reported. 
• Similar agitations were also held in Maharashtra's Solapur and Navi Mumbai. In Jharkhand, few policemen were injured while controlling an irate mob near Hanuman Temple in Ranchi, PTI reported. Police fired in air and resorted to lathi-charge to control the mob as the protests took a violent turn.
  
• The Delhi Police has registered an FIR against 31 people, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand, and filed a separate case against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for allegedly spreading hate and hurting religious sentiments.

(With inputs from agencies)