‘Taste of Israel’ threat: BJP MLA’s warning to Muslim protestors in Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow: In the wake of protests against extremist Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand’s blasphemous remarks against the holy Prophet (pbuh), at least two BJP MLAs in Uttar Pradesh have tried to add fuel to the fire through their warnings to the Muslim protestors.
According to Kashmir Media Service, one of the MLAs, Shalabh Mani Tripathi issued a warning to Muslim protestors, threatening that they would get a “taste of Israel” if they continued their protest. “Here, treatment will be given through the constitution of Babasaheb [BR Ambedkar] and not the Sharia, and that too a proper one… don’t cry then,” wrote Tripathi on X.
Another BJP MLA, Nand Kishor, Gurjar suggested that individuals involved in the protests should be charged under the National Security Act (NSA) and proposed that those not apprehended be shot dead in police encounters. He made this statement while speaking to reporters at Dasna Devi temple where Narsinghanand serves as head priest. He emphasized that the police should have been more forceful when handling the protests.
Multiple Muslim organisations, outraged by Narsinghanand’s derogatory remarks, have demanded action against him and approached police in their respective states with applications. While there are widespread demands to arrest Narsinghanand, who is known for his anti-Muslim bias, police are yet to confirm if action has been taken against the Hindu priest.
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, described Narsinghanand’s words as blasphemous and said they were absolutely intolerable. “It is tantamount to crossing the red line,” said Rahmani, demanding that Narsinghanand be sent to jail.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani wrote to home minister Amit Shah condemning Narsinghanand’s offensive comments. “This hate speech threatens communal harmony and must be addressed,” said Madani, adding that immediate legal action and removal of the video were essential to uphold peace and respect for all religions. Bijnor Member of Parliament Chandrashekhar Aazad demanded that the stringent National Security Act be slapped against Narsinghanand.
At several places in UP, Muslims have taken to the streets in protest and demanded action against Narsinghananand.
