Nupur remarks: Massive protests across nation

Delhi: Massive protests erupted in Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kolkata and cities in Uttar Pradesh on Friday over remarks by suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

A large crowd of people gathered on the steps of the Jama Masjid in New Delhi after Friday prayers, carrying placards and shouting slogans against Sharma and Naveen Jindal, former head of the Delhi BJP’s media unit. There was heavy security deployment to manage the situation and avoid any untoward incident.

According to senior police officials, the protest was held peacefully on the stairs near gate number one of the mosque, and it lasted for around 15 to 20 minutes. The protesters were dispersed from the area later.

“The protest was held near the gate number one of Jama Masjid. We demanded the arrested of Nupur Sharma for her remark on Prophet Mohammad. It was a peaceful protest, and people left the area after a while,” said Akram Qureshi, a resident of the area.

“Nupur Sharma should be arrested. I will keep protesting until she is put behind the bars. How dare she disrespect our religion,” questioned 57-year-old Baba Mastan, who was part of the protest. Mohammad Fahad (59), a shopkeeper, said, “The protest started at 2 pm. They were dispersed by the police within 15-20 minutes. It was a peaceful protest.”