Srinagar: Naseer Rather, senior leader of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), has issued a strong condemnation of the inflammatory and blasphemous remarks made by Swami Yati Narsinghanand against Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Rather has demanded the swift arrest of Swami Narsinghanand, denouncing his repeated attacks as deliberate provocations designed to incite hatred and threaten communal harmony.
“We unequivocally denounce the vile and deeply offensive statements made by Swami Yati Narsinghanand against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” Rather declared in a statement. “These comments are not only grossly insulting to Muslims across the world but also represent a calculated attempt to inflame communal tensions. Swami Narsinghanand’s continued derogatory rhetoric is intolerable and a direct assault on peace and social stability. His arrest is not just necessary but urgent, as individuals like him pose a grave danger to the law and order.”
Rather emphasised that Swami Narsinghanand’s comments go beyond mere religious provocation, describing them as an affront to the core values of morality and humanity. “This is not just an issue for Muslims; Swami Narsinghanand’s remarks represent a degradation of the very ethical and spiritual principles that bind society together. His obsessive hatred of Islam and its revered figures undermines the unity and mutual respect that our country is built upon. It is crucial that people of all faiths, especially responsible leaders and intellectuals, rise up to condemn this kind of hate speech and defend the cultural and religious harmony of our nation.”
Calling for restraint within the Muslim community, Rather urged people not to be swayed by such provocations. “The dignity and stature of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are far beyond the reach of such disgraceful remarks. Muslims should respond to this provocation with calmness, patience, and dignity. We must remain united in promoting the true message of the Prophet – peace, compassion, and understanding – and work towards spreading this message to counter the hateful and divisive narratives being propagated by individuals like Swami Narsinghanand.”
Swami Narsinghanand’s remarks, made ahead of the Dasara festival, have been condemned by Rather as “repugnant, disgraceful, and calculated to incite violence between communities.” Rather stated, “Such words are not only offensive, but they are also a criminal act, designed to provoke one community into committing offences against another. This is both a cognizable and non-bailable offence under the laws of India, and the government must act swiftly to hold him accountable.”
Rather has called upon the Uttar Pradesh government to arrest Swami Narsinghanand under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He further urged social media platforms to immediately remove all videos containing the offensive remarks, to prevent further unrest and maintain public order.
The AIP leader also pointed to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay vs. Union of India case, which directed states to register suo motu FIRs against individuals delivering hate speech, regardless of their religious affiliation. “The judiciary and the government have a duty to act decisively and swiftly in cases of hate speech, no matter the individual’s background or status. The misuse of religion to spread hatred and division must not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Rather added.
