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 message “I Love Muhammad.” The conflict reportedly began after youths from another community demanded the removal of the banner.

“People had gathered from both sides, but the police immediately intervened and dispersed everyone,” said SP Davanagere Uma Prashnath. During the altercation, stones were pelted, resulting in damage to several houses and injuring a young girl who was later admitted to a government hospital.

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### Clash Originated in Uttar Pradesh

The controversy initially started in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. On September 4, local youths carried green flags and posters bearing “I Love Muhammad” during a Barawafat procession. By evening, similar banners appeared at traffic intersections and shopfronts across Beconganj and Anwarganj.

Locals emphasized that the display was purely devotional. However, some local Hindu groups objected, claiming that a “new tradition” was being introduced in an area traditionally used for Barawafat celebrations.

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### Controversy Spreads Across States

The dispute quickly escalated, spreading to other parts of Uttar Pradesh as well as several states and cities including Uttarakhand, Telangana, Nagpur, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kashipur.

In Bareilly, police halted a group attempting to erect a large “I Love Muhammad” hoarding near Dargah Ala Hazrat, citing concerns over traffic congestion during Friday prayers. This led to a brief sit-in protest which was later called off following discussions with district officials.

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### Official Response and Unrest

In Kashipur, a protest related to the issue turned violent, resulting in multiple arrests and the demolition of certain structures by the district administration. Police stated that the demonstration took place without permission.

According to the district’s SSP Manikant Mishra, law enforcement attempted to control the crowd, but the demonstrators attacked the police and vandalized vehicles. “Seven people have been arrested and 10 detained. The mastermind, Nadeem Akhtar, is under questioning to uncover the source of these activities that led to violence,” the SSP confirmed.

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### Community Efforts to Restore Peace

Peace committee meetings have been conducted in Kanpur, Bareilly, and Sambhal to urge calm and prevent further conflict. Religious leaders have condemned acts of violence while calling for sensitivity from authorities.

Asaduddin Owaisi, president of AIMIM, framed the controversy around constitutional rights, stating, “Saying ‘I Love Muhammad’ is not a crime. If it is, I accept any punishment. But Muslims must not be harassed for expressing their devotion.”

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The developments underline ongoing communal sensitivities in various regions, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and tolerance to maintain peace.
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