Bhilwara, Rajasthan, The city of Bhilwara witnessed a significant mobilization of protesters demanding the release of Mufti Salman Azhari, a prominent Muslim cleric known for his influence and leadership within the community.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest was spearheaded by Mufti Ashraf Jilani Azhari, the Qazi of Bhilwara, who led the community in vocalizing their demand for justice in response to Mufti Salman Azhari’s detention. The demonstration saw a wide participation from individuals across different communities, united in their call for the cleric’s release.

The arrest of Mufti Salman Azhari has raised considerable alarm within Rajasthan and beyond, with many viewing the action as a broader suppression of religious freedoms. Participants of the protest carried banners and chanted slogans, highlighting their demand for justice and the immediate release of Azhari.

In his address to the crowd, Mufti Ashraf Jilani Azhari expressed the community’s frustration and the perceived injustice faced by Mufti Salman Azhari. He called on the authorities to listen to the protestors’ demands, emphasizing the need for fairness and adherence to justice.

The backdrop to these protests is a climate of increasing anti-Muslim sentiment in India, especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. Issues such as discrimination, violence, and marginalization against Muslims have become more pronounced, with controversial citizenship laws and targeted actions against Muslim communities contributing to heightened tensions and insecurity among India’s Muslim populace.

The protests in Bhilwara reflect not only the local community’s immediate concerns over Mufti Salman Azhari’s detention but also the broader challenges faced by Muslims in the current socio-political environment of India.