ANTI-ISLAM REMARKS IN INDIA

More arrests made

AFP, Srinagar/Kolkata

Police in India’s Kashmir arrested a youth for posting a video threatening to behead a former spokesperson of India’s ruling party who had made derogatory remarks about Islam’s religious leader Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), officials said yesterday. Muslims have taken to the streets to protest against anti-Islamic comments made by two members of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent week. The BJP has suspended both the party members and police cases have been filed against them. The remarks also angered several Muslim countries, causing a massive diplomatic challenge for the Modi government. Two teenagers were killed when protesters clashed with police in the eastern city of Ranchi last week. Sporadic riots in northern Uttar Pradesh state forced police to arrest over 300 people. In West Bengal, authorities enforced an emergency law prohibiting public gatherings in the industrial district of Howrah until June 16. At least 70 people were arrested on charges of rioting and disturbing public order.