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Police personnel have been deployed outside mosques in several districts of Uttar Pradesh amid protests

A row erupted after police in Kanpur filed an FIR against nine named and 15 unidentified persons for allegedly installing boards with “I Love Mohammad” written on them on a public road in Kanpur during a Barawafat procession on September 4. (File image: PTI)
A man allegedly threatened Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from a stage in Maharashtra’s Beed.
An event–“I Love Muhammad”– was organised during which a man threatened Adityanath, saying if the CM has guts, he should come here. The man also said he will allegedly kill him if he comes to Beed.
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The remarks have prompted a probe, and the police said an FIR will be registered.
A row erupted after police in Kanpur filed an FIR against nine named and 15 unidentified persons for allegedly installing boards with “I Love Mohammad” written on them on a public road in Kanpur during a Barawafat procession on September 4.
The FIR has snowballed into controversy. Several rallies and marches have been organised with “I Love Muhammad” banners in different parts of the country to protest against the FIR.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Police is on high alert due to namaz prayers on Friday. Police personnel have been deployed outside mosques in several districts.
Politics Over “I Love Muhammad”
Commenting on the FIR in Kanpur, AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that it is wrong to take away fundamental rights.
“This started in Kanpur. Perhaps the ADGP said that no new poster can be pasted. We then said on social media that we love Muhammad, every Muslim loves Muhammad… If we are Muslims and know Muhammad, he has taught that only Allah is to be offered ‘ibadat’ and loved. So, this is a part of our faith. Article 25 speaks of the Right to Freedom of Religion. The Constitution provides us with fundamental rights. How can you snatch it away? It is wrong.”
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah asked why people can be arrested for writing “I Love Muhammad”.
“Why is anyone objecting to this? Who can object to writing these three words? I cannot understand how these three words can be the cause of arrests. Only someone mentally unwell can make a case out of these three words. I would like the courts to set this in order. How is writing ‘I Love Muhammad’ unlawful? Do other religions not write for their religious figures and Gods? So, if that is not unlawful, how is this?” he asked.
On the other hand, the BJP has said that the manner in which marches are being organised in support of the “I Love Muhammad” row is bad.
“Your faith is one thing, but displaying it openly on the road in this manner is inappropriate. The Constitution grants you the right to practice your faith, but what’s happening on the road is likely wrong… Additionally, I think that all those organisations marching on the street and carrying placards are not the proper way to show love,” he said.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
September 26, 2025, 13:41 IST
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