Prophet row: Union minister alleges Pakistan's role in violent protests
India Today
Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel on Saturday alleged that Pakistan was behind the violent protests which took place on Friday across the country.
Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel on Saturday alleged Pakistan’s role behind violent protests that rattled various parts of the country over remarks against Prophet Muhammad. The minister said that "certain elements are jealous of India’s growing stature."
"It’s an open secret that Pakistan is the country which is jealous of India. All these protests are being held by some fanatics. Such incidents are sponsored by vested elements," Patel said.
Patel also said that "the Centre is vigilant and whatever is permissible under the law will be done in this matter," and that such a proclivity to fuel schisms in multicultural countries is both a challenge and a source of concern.
On Friday, protests were also held in several parts of Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, and Damoh districts.
A large crowd staged a demonstration at Chhindwara district headquarters in protest against the controversial statement by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. A procession was carried out from Raja Talkies amid heavy police security.
The protest was carried out despite the administration denying permission, citing the imposition of prohibitory orders in the wake of local body polls.
As per the police, a large number of Muslims crossed police barricades to hand over a memorandum to the district police. However, no incidents of violence were reported in the state.
