Uttar Pradesh Committee Demands NSA Over Blasphemous Social Media Post

In a significant development reflecting heightened community sensitivity, a prominent Islamic body in Uttar Pradesh has called for stringent action against an individual arrested for sharing objectionable content on social media. The Kanpur Eidgah Committee has demanded the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) on a man, identified as Shivam Dixit, who was taken into custody for making derogatory posts on Facebook targeting Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Quran.

The incident, which quickly drew widespread condemnation, saw religious leaders and community members unite in their call for justice.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a distinguished member of the Eidgah Committee and a revered figure, unequivocally stated that such actions, designed to incite communal disharmony, should not be tolerated. He emphasized the necessity of a strong legal response to ensure that those who seek to disrupt peace through inflammatory online content are held accountable under the most severe provisions of the law.

According to police reports, an First Information Report (FIR) was promptly lodged against Dixit under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

His subsequent arrest underscores the authorities' commitment to addressing hate speech and safeguarding the religious sentiments of all communities. The police stated that they acted swiftly upon receiving information about the offensive posts, ensuring that the accused was apprehended without delay.

Maulana Mahali further highlighted the broader implications of such acts, stating, "If such people are not punished severely, they will continue to incite hatred." He elaborated on the potential for these kinds of posts to spark widespread unrest and called for a clear message to be sent that any attempt to demean religious figures or scriptures would be met with the full force of the law.

The demand for the NSA, a law that allows for preventive detention for up to 12 months, reflects the committee's view of the gravity of the offense and its potential threat to public order.

Leaders across various communities have also joined in appealing for calm and communal harmony, stressing the importance of unity and mutual respect in the face of provocations.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with digital freedom and the critical need for vigilance against the spread of misinformation and hate speech on social media platforms. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any further escalation and ensure peace prevails in the region.