"Writing, speaking 'I love Muhammad' is not a crime": Sufi Council Chairman urges UP Govt to speak to Muslims over Bareilly violence

New Delhi [India], September 27 : After violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly over the 'I love Muhammad' campaign, All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty on Saturday emphasised that protests should be peaceful, further urging the State government to speak to the Muslim Community and clear misunderstandings.
Speaking to ANI, Syed Naseruddin Chishty asserted that writing and speaking 'I love Muhammad' is not a crime, requesting Muslims not to let anyone take "Political advantage" from it.
"Protests are a democratic right, but they should be peaceful. A law and order situation must not be created... Writing and speaking 'I love Muhammad' is not a crime. It is the first condition of Islam to love Allah and His Rasool. But I request the Muslims of our country not to let anyone take a political advantage from it... The state government should call a delegation of Muslims and speak to them and clear the misunderstandings," he said.
Earlier today, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Range Ajay Kumar Sahni said that 10 FIRs have been registered, and 39 individuals have been identified in connection with the violence.
Speaking to ANI, DIG Sahni said that Maulana Tauqeer Raza, a cleric, has been arrested and sent to judicial custody after he emerged as a main conspirator.
Sahani added that 22 police officers were injured in clashes involving firing and stone-pelting.
Speaking to ANI, DIG Sahani said, "The situation is normal.10 FIRs have been registered, and an investigation is being done based on evidence. 39 people have been identified so far, and Maulana Tauqeer Raza has emerged as the chief conspirator. He has been arrested and sent to judicial custody."
He further said that Social media was used to gather people and incite violence.
"Social media was used to gather people and share the plan. A large number of weapons and stones have been recovered from the protestors... Firing was done on police personnel, and stones were also pelted. 22 policemen have been injured. Further investigation is underway... Empty shells, cartridges, pistols, and broken glass bottles have been recovered from the protest site," DIG Sahani added.
A group of people pelted stones during a protest after Friday prayers in Bareilly, prompting the police to resort to a lathi charge and detain several of them.
Protestors had gathered outside the Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, holding placards that read "I Love Mohammad."
Earlier today, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that if anyone attempts to challenge the state's security and cause disturbance by protesting on the streets, such actions will be taken.
"Anarchy is not acceptable. We will give respect to everyone, we will provide security to everyone, but if someone dares to tamper with security, attacks innocent citizens, then such action will be taken against them that it will become an example for coming generations...Spoiling the atmosphere during festivals and celebrations is not acceptable. I will say again that if someone dares to cause a disturbance by protesting on the streets...they will have to pay a heavy price for it..." CM Yogi said while addressing a gathering in UP's Shravasti.