Kanpur: Muslim clerics and community leaders met Kanpur Nagar Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar on Tuesday, expressing concerns over the filing of FIRs against more than 20 Muslim youth in connection with the recent “I Love Muhammad” banner incident during Milad-un-Nabi processions, reported the News18.
The police commissioner clarified that the FIRs were not registered because of the banner itself but due to the installation of tents, posters, and banners at a “non-traditional location,” as well as allegations of tearing down religious posters belonging to another community.
The controversy began on September 4, when a large banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed on a public road in Syed Nagar, a route traditionally used for Ram Navami processions. Objections from right-wing groups led to protests, which escalated into vandalism. Police intervened, removed the banner, and booked Muslim youths, while no action was taken against the protesting groups.
Following the FIRs, the movement gained momentum nationwide, with Muslims across India displaying “I Love Muhammad” posters in shops, on streets, and even adopting it as profile pictures on social media as a mark of solidarity.
Addressing the issue, Commissioner Akhil Kumar stated: “The FIR was not filed because of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ banner. The matter will be thoroughly investigated, and those found innocent will be removed from the case, while strict legal action will be taken against actual miscreants.”
The police statement comes after weeks of online outrage, public demonstrations, and growing criticism that the FIRs unfairly targeted Muslim youth while overlooking provocations from other groups.
