Muslim clerics in Kanpur propose mass arrests if FIRs for namaz on roads not withdrawn

Kanpur: Prominent Muslim clerics in Kanpur have demanded the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIR) lodged against hundreds of people for offering prayers on roads during Ramzan and Eid festivals, or else they have proposed thousands of additional arrests.

The clerics made their demands in a meeting with the Kanpur Police Commissioner, citing unjustifiable police action during festivals that are usually observed with peace and harmony. The Kanpur police have not responded to the demands put forth by the clerics.

Last week, the Kanpur police lodged three FIRs against over 1,700 people for offering prayers on roads and defying Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 144 that was in force during the festival. The charges included obstructing a public servant in discharging duties, disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant, causing danger, obstruction, or injury to any person in any public way, wrongful restraint, and criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty.

The delegation that met the Kanpur police commissioner included Shahr Qazi (Bareli) Mushtaq Mushahidi, Shahr Qazi (Deobandi) Qari Mamoor Ahmed, and a dozen other clerics under the banner of Ulema Ahle Sunnat Mushwarati Board. In a memorandum submitted to the police chief, the clerics said, "All of us are guilty of the crime. Arrest not only the 1,700 people booked, but thousands of others also for the crimes mentioned in the FIRs."

The clerics expressed their displeasure over the police action and said that such incidents had never happened during festivals that are observed with peace and harmony. They also said that the FIRs were aimed at tearing apart the social fabric. "Either they be withdrawn, or thousands of us who prayed that day will offer our arrest," Mushahidi said.

The Kanpur police did not respond to the demands put forth by the clerics before the Police Commissioner. The incident has sparked a debate on social media, with many people criticizing the police action and calling for a dialogue between the authorities and the Muslim community to resolve the issue.

With IANS input