Srinagar: Leaders of various religious communities in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir have called on the Indian government to take legal action against Yati Narsinghanand, a priest from Ghaziabad, Haryana, for his derogatory comments about the Prophet Muhammad. These comments have sparked outrage and concern among the Muslim community, threatening the region’s communal harmony.

According to Kashmir Media Service, senior figures including APHC leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-Ul-Islam have labeled the remarks as deeply offensive and damaging to the fabric of India’s diverse society. In a strongly worded letter to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, they emphasized that while freedom of speech is critical, it should not serve as a cover for spreading hate and disrespect towards religious beliefs.

The letter stated, “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.” The religious leaders from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have united in their demand for prompt legal action against Narsinghanand.

Protests have erupted in Jammu and Rajouri, condemning the priest’s actions, with participation from not only Muslims but also members of the Sikh community and leaders like RK Kalsotra, the state president of the All India Confederation of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes.

The collective call for action reflects a widespread desire among diverse communities to maintain peace and mutual respect across religious lines. The leaders expressed hope that the Home Minister would treat the matter with the seriousness it warrants to restore and uphold communal harmony.