• Source:JND
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I Love Muhammad Trend: A slogan saying 'I Love Muhammad' has recently sparked widespread attention and protests across India. It began as a local dispute in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, but quickly turned into a nationwide conversation about religious sentiment, freedom of expression and social media influence.

How It All Started In Kanpur?

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat (Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi) procession in Rawatpur, Kanpur. A group put up an 'I Love Muhammad' banner along the route. Some local Hindu groups objected, saying it was a 'new tradition' added to a traditional celebration.

Police stepped in and restored the traditional setup. DCP Dinesh Tripathi clarified that no FIR was filed specifically for the banner; the cases were about moving the tent and putting up new signage. Despite police efforts, both sides accused each other of damaging posters, creating confusion.

FIRs Escalate The Issue:

On September 9, Kanpur police charged 24 individuals for allegedly causing communal unrest by enacting new traditions during the procession. On September 15, AIMIM's leader, Asaduddin Owaisi, added fuel to the fire by writing that it is not against the law to say "I Love Muhammad." Authorities clarified that the FIRs were about the location of the banner and poster damage, not the slogan itself, and urged people not to spread misinformation.

The slogan didn’t stay confined to Kanpur. Across Uttar Pradesh and other states like Unnao, Maharajganj, Kaushambi, Lucknow, people started holding processions and demonstrations.

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Social Media Reaction:

Social media has played a major role in spreading the debate. Posts supporting the slogan, criticising FIRs and highlighting clashes have gone viral. Users are divided; some defend the expression of faith, while others call for maintaining communal harmony.

 

 

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What It Shows?

A small local dispute over a banner has grown into a national conversation. It highlights the need to strike a careful balance between religious sentiments, freedom of expression and the potential for social media to amplify local incidents. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent it from getting worse.