Suspension ‘inadequate’, AIMPLB seeks legal action over Prophet remark

LUCKNOW: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called the suspension of BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal “inadequate”. Board general secretary Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani on Monday demanded strict action and legal proceedings against the offenders and also formation of a law that “condemns and criminalises insults done to religious figures of any religion”.

Maulana Rahmani also extended support to protests in the country against the controversial remarks by the two spokespersons. He expressed his disappointment at the alleged biased approach of administration towards protesters of one community in the Kanpur clashes that broke out between two communities earlier on Friday.

Meanwhile, national general secretary of Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind (MuH), Maulana Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, also demanded legal action against the “offending former BJP members”.

“Suspending the party members for their insult of Prophet Muhammad is not enough. Muslims across the world have been hurt by these baseless and insensitive comments which have affected the country’s image on a global level. It is good that they have been suspended from the party, but this is not enough,” said Maulana Rahmani.

“We demand strict action against the offenders. There should be legal action against them. Also, a law should be enacted that holds all those responsible who insult holy figures of any religion,” he added.

Maulana Rahmani said, “All protests against the controversial comments are legitimate and warranted and I extend my support and approval to them. The one-sided action against protesters of one community in UP related to the Kanpur clashes is condemnable and disappointing.”

MuH general secretary Maulana Kalbe Jawad in a press statement from Iran said, “For the last few years, poison is being spread in the country against Prophet Muhammad and Islam, spoiling the country’s environment. This is a dangerous form of Islamophobia that will become detrimental to the country’s brotherhood. To suspend such mischievous elements from the party is not enough but legal proceedings should be initiated. Such people are disturbing the country’s harmony for which the government and Supreme Court should think about.”