A post sharing objectionable content allegedly by a local Hindu group leader created tension in the communally sensitive Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district town of Bhaderwah on Saturday. The protests and a partial bandh followed the post, which was believed to hurt religious sentiments, and authorities took the decision to suspend mobile internet services in the region to stave off the situation from descending into further violence.
Officials claim that the post was uploaded by Virender Razdan, the head of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah. The content was found communally sensitive and created outrage in Hindu and Muslim communities. The FIR was registered at the Bhaderwah Police Station in response to the section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that tackles deliberate and malicious acts meant to outrage religious feelings. Razdan is subject to raids that are currently underway to arrest him.
Vinod Sharma, Superintendent of Police (SP), Bhaderwah, appealed to the citizens to maintain communal harmony and appealed for calm. They will not tolerate any nuisance. He assured that the law will take its course and appropriate action taken.
Members of Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah had earlier raised their ire by expressing their protest against the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran by the police and staged a peaceful protest march from Jamia Masjid to the local police station earlier in the day. Razdan was accused repeatedly of acting offensively against their religion, and the protesters demanded he be arrested immediately. “Nothing new here, this is not the first time he has posted content like this.” As a habitual offender, strict action needs to be taken for the sake of peace and brotherhood, Riyaz Ahmed Najar, president of Anjuman-e-Islamia, said.
Just as the protest was peaceful, many of the shops in the town remained closed in view of Anjuman’s bandh call. They then reported that the group promised to continue with their protest until Razdan is arrested and justice is served.
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