Indian Muslims march against Islamophobia

Rally was in response to alleged anti-Islamic remarks made by Hindu saint Ram Giri Maharaj and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) had organised a ‘Chalo Mumbai Tiranga’ rally in Maharashtra before the state assembly elections.

This rally was in response to the alleged anti-Islamic remarks made by Hindu saint Ram Giri Maharaj and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly Nitesh Rane.

A rally was led by state party vice president Syed Moin, followed by another rally on 23rd September led by AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel.

BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and Hindu follower Ram Giri Maharaj made hate speeches against Muslims, including threats to kill them.

Multiple cases have been filed in Maharashtra regarding Nitesh’s inflammatory remarks targeting Muslims, and lawyer Wasi Syed has also filed a petition in the High Court.

Minorities in India, particularly Muslims, are facing discrimination from extremist Hindus. There has been an alarming increase in incitement against Muslims and religious extremism.

The protesters claim they are being marginalized under government patronage, which is unacceptable. They are also demanding action against those who spread religious incitement.

Mumbai Police reportedly resorted to a lathi charge, the police have registered an FIR against AIMIM workers for conducting a protest on the highway in the capital.