After UP, clash in Karnataka over ‘I Love Muhammad’ banner
**After UP, Clash in Karnataka Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Banner**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 25, 2025 11:23 am*
A communal clash broke out in Davanagere’s Karl Marx Nagar, Karnataka, on Wednesday night over a flex banner displaying the phrase “I Love Muhammad.” The unrest reportedly began when youths from another community demanded the removal of the banner.
According to SP Davanagere Uma Prashnath, “People had gathered from both sides, but the police immediately went and dispersed everyone.” During the altercation, stones were pelted, causing damage to several houses and injuring a young girl who was later admitted to a government hospital.
### Clash Originated in Uttar Pradesh
The controversy first erupted in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4 during a Barawafat procession. Local youths carried green flags and posters bearing the slogan “I Love Muhammad.” By the evening, similar banners appeared at traffic intersections and shopfronts across Beconganj and Anwarganj.
Locals maintained that the banners were meant as a devotional expression. However, some local Hindu groups objected, claiming that this represented a “new tradition” being introduced in an area traditionally used for Barawafat celebrations.
### Widespread Unrest Across States
The controversy soon spread beyond Kanpur to other parts of Uttar Pradesh and additional states and cities, including Uttarakhand, Telangana, Nagpur, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kashipur.
In Bareilly, police prevented a group from putting up a large “I Love Muhammad” hoarding near Dargah Ala Hazrat, citing concerns over potential traffic congestion during Friday prayers. This led to a brief sit-in protest, which was later withdrawn after discussions with district officials.
### Official Response and Increased Tensions
In Kashipur, a protest related to the banner issue turned violent, resulting in arrests and the demolition of structures by the district administration. Authorities stated the protest was held without official permission.
Manikant Mishra, the district SSP, said, “The police tried to contain the demonstrators, but the crowd attacked them and vandalized police vehicles. Seven people have been arrested and ten detained. The mastermind, Nadeem Akhtar, is currently being questioned to uncover the source of activities that led to the violence.”
### Community Efforts to Restore Peace
In response to the escalating tension, peace committee meetings have been organized in Kanpur, Bareilly, and Sambhal to encourage calm and promote dialogue. Religious leaders have condemned the violence while urging sensitivity from the administration.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi addressed the controversy, framing it as a constitutional issue, stating, “Saying ‘I Love Muhammad’ is not a crime. If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims must not be harassed for expressing devotion.”
—
The ongoing tensions highlight the delicate balance needed in communal spaces and underscore the importance of dialogue and understanding across communities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/communal-clash-erupts-in-karnataka-over-i-love-muhammad-banner/story
