Lucknow: A Hindu priest in Uttar Pradesh, Yati Narasinghanand, has once again been reported for making derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad, intensifying religious tensions in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a recent public address, Narasinghanand suggested that effigies of Prophet Muhammad should be burned during the Hindu festival of Dussehra, an act seen as highly provocative and offensive by the Muslim community. This incident marks the second time in two months that such derogatory comments have been made by Hindu priests, with another priest, Ram Giri, also not yet apprehended for similar offenses in Maharashtra.
The recurrence of these incidents has led to multiple FIRs lodged against Narasinghanand, who has a history of making inflammatory speeches without facing police action. This apparent lack of enforcement has sparked accusations against the Modi government, alleging it provides impunity to those who incite religious hatred.
The Muslim community has expressed profound distress over these blasphemous remarks and the government’s inadequate response, calling for a serious commitment to protecting their religious dignity. Ruhullah Mehdi, an NC leader and Indian MP, criticized the situation as indicative of a broader issue of Islamophobia within the country.