Srinagar: Parts of Kashmir observed a shutdown on Friday over the controversial remarks by two now-suspended BJP members against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) while the authorities snapped mobile internet as a precautionary measure.
A protest was also witnessed in Batamaloo area of Srinagar by the members of the joint traders federation over the derogatory remarks made on Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) last week by two key members of BJP. One among the two was later suspended and another expelled.
Protest by joint traders federation Batamaloo in Srinagar, Kashmir against the derogatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), on June 10, 2022. [FPK Photo/ Vikar Syed]
Downtown Srinagar witnessed a complete shutdown with public transport off the roads. However, traffic was plying in Lal Chowk, Batamaloo and adjoining areas with offices and schools remaining open.
Authorities have shut down the internet on mobile devices in some areas as a precautionary measure to stop rumor-mongering, officials said, adding there were no reports of any untoward incident in the Valley so far.
Last week, BJP suspended Nupur Sharma, one of its national spokespersons, from the party’s primary membership for her anti-Islam remarks made during television debate last month.
The BJP’s Delhi unit expelled Naveen Kumar Jindal, who heads the party’s media unit in Delhi for his inflammatory tweets about the Prophet (ﷺ).
Expelling Jindal, the BJP said his views on social media vitiate communal harmony and are in violation of its fundamental beliefs.
“Your primary membership is immediately terminated and you are expelled from the party,” a communication from its Delhi president Adesh Gupta said.
A communication to Sharma from the party’s disciplinary committee said she has expressed views contrary to the party’s position on various matters, which is in clear violation of its constitution.
“Pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities, assignments if any, with immediate effect,” it said.
The controversial remarks also sparked a Twitter trend in Arab countries calling for boycott of Indian products.
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