Hate speech: Ulemas of J-K, Ladakh urge HM to take action against Yati Narinsghanand

Srinagar, Oct 6: The Ulemas (Muslim scholars) of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh Sunday wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah in a jointly signed letter, urging an immediate and firm action against the Hindutva militant priest, Yati Narsinghanand for his derogatory remarks against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Asking for his urgent attention to the issue which has affected the sentiments of millions of Muslims across India and beyond, the scholars said that Narsinghanand's remarks have caused severe emotional distress to the Muslim community.

The Hindutva priest's remarks have a potential to create widespread unrest across the country, the scholars said.

Asserting the Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, the scholars said it cannot be "a license to spread hate and cause deep hurt to the religious sentiments and of an entire community."

"India is a land of many religions and ethnicities, where respect for all religions should be paramount. Such remarks are not only offensive but also divisive and pose a threat to communal harmony and peace," read the letter.

"We demand that Government of India take appropriate legal action against Yati Narsinghanand for his hate filled comments in accordance with the law and constitution of the land and respect the sanctity of our faith," urged the Muslim scholars.

They said an immediate and firm action in this matter will send a strong message.

The action against the Hindu militant, whose followers were seen threatening to burn large effigies labelled as the holy Prophet (PBUH) and his dear cousin, Imam Ali (a.s) on a widespread video on the Internet, will serve a message to the people that "hate speech and incitement to violence will have no place in the civilised society," the letter read.

"We hope that you will address this sensitive matter with seriousness, and we also hope that
necessary steps will be taken to restore peace and harmony among all the communities," the scholars concluded.