Communal Tension Erupts in Jalandhar Over ‘I Love Mohammad’ Slogan

Communal tension has gripped parts of Jalandhar in Punjab over the controversy surrounding the phrase 'I Love Mohammad.'

Heavy police deployment has been put in place to maintain order. Meanwhile, bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal stirred the issue further with a provocative social media post.

Police have registered a case against Ayub Khan, Namin Khan, and two others. Sources said Ayub Khan is associated with the Aam Aadmi Party and is a former BJP member who served as the state in-charge of the party's minority wing.

Khan's wife is a councillor from Basti, and he has previously been affiliated with Congress and Akali Dal.

The unrest began last evening, when members of All India Ulema were heading to the Commissioner's office to submit a memorandum. Near the post office, a youth, Yogesh, riding a scooter, allegedly shouted a religious slogan in response to similar slogans from the other side.

Yogesh claimed a group of Muslim youths surrounded his scooter, assaulted him and pressured him to chant a religious slogan threatening his life when he refused.

Hindu organizations reacted swiftly, staging protests at Press Club Chowk and BMC Chowk, causing traffic disruptions until 4:30 pm yesterday. Following their demands, police filed an FIR against the Muslim group, after which the protesters temporarily dispersed, contingent on the arrest of the accused.

Mohammad Akbar Ali, chairman of All India Ulema, denied the assault allegations, stating their group was peacefully heading to submit a memorandum against discrimination faced by Muslims.

Police are investigating even as the situation remains tense.