Tension in Jalandhar after arrests linked to ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign in UP
Jalandhar: Tension gripped Jalandhar after Hindutva members assaulted Muslim participants of a march staged to protest the arrest of clerics and others in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly in connection with the “I Love Muhammad (PBUH)” campaign.
According to police, the incident occurred when members of one community, gathered under the banner of a local organisation, marched through the city and later assembled outside the office of the Police Commissioner to submit a memorandum condemning the arrests made by the Uttar Pradesh Police. The protesters demanded the release of those detained, terming the campaign peaceful and rooted in love for the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).
In the meantime, local Hindutva members staged a counter-protest, prompting a heavy police deployment in the area to prevent further escalation.
Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt, Pargat Singh, urged people to maintain peace and communal harmony.
The situation in Jalandhar remained under control by late evening, with police patrolling sensitive areas and appealing for calm.
