Tanzeem leads massive protest in Bhatkal against blasphemous remarks by Yati Narsinghanand
Bhatkal Bandh called on October 15 to register protest against remarks
Bhatkal: The Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem Bhatkal organised a large protest in the city on Monday, condemning the offensive remarks made by Yati Narsinghanand against Prophet Mohammed during an event last month. The protest saw a strong turnout, with speakers demanding strict action against the controversial figure for his repeated inflammatory statements.
Maulana Abdul Aleem, one of the key speakers at the protest, denounced Narsinghanand's comments, calling them deeply offensive. He described Prophet Mohammed as a "messenger of God and an ambassador of peace and harmony," adding that anyone who insults the Prophet is undermining social harmony. He also labelled Narsinghanand as an "anti-social element" who stands against the pluralistic and democratic ideals on which India is built.
Mohammed Kunhi, Manager of Shanti Prakashan, Mangaluru, echoed similar sentiments. He pointed out that Narsinghanand has a history of making blasphemous statements and emphasized the need for strict legal action to send a message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in an inclusive and diverse India.
Inayathullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, also voiced strong condemnation of Narsinghanand's remarks. He called upon the Karnataka government to take immediate and firm action. Shabandri warned that if the authorities failed to act, the Tanzeem would escalate the protest with a larger "Karwar Chalo" march to press for justice.
Abdur Raqeeb MJ, General Secretary of Tanzeem, highlighted the significance of Prophet Mohammed's teachings, describing him as the "greatest professor of peace" for all of humanity. He stressed that such remarks not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also disrupt the social fabric of the country.
Advocate Imran Lanka, convenor of the protest, read out a memorandum addressed to the Chief Justice of India. The document, submitted through the Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner, demanded that Narsinghanand be charged under stringent laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The protest underscored the frustration felt by the Muslim community in India over the lack of action against Narsinghanand’s repeated hate speeches.
In a further move to register their protest, the Tanzeem has called for a 24-hour Bandh across Bhatkal, urging local traders to shut their businesses from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning. The call for a complete shutdown is intended to amplify their demand for action against the blasphemous remarks and to show solidarity within the community.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
