A new controversy has arisen over a religious procession held on the day of Eid-ul-Adha in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. During the procession, the Muslim community displayed banners and posters reading ‘I love Muhammad (PBUH).’ After which some quarters objected to this. The police intervened and filed a case against 24 people for adding a new custom.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the media, “Just as people from Hindu or Sikh communities can march with their religious pictures or banners, if Muslims also display banners reading ‘I love Muhammad (PBUH), there is no reason to object. It is not a crime either.” He also said that only mentally ill people can show negative reactions.

The controversy began on September 4. During a procession in Kanpur, the police registered a case against 24 people for tearing down posters between Hindus and Muslims and for the difference in the place where the banners were hung. Kanpur police said that the case was not registered for the banners, but for hanging them in different places and destroying other people's posters.

In response to this incident, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi from Hyderabad said on social media that writing 'I love Muhammad (PBUH)' is not a crime. He criticized the Kanpur police.

Processions are underway in various cities of Uttar Pradesh—Unnao, Maharajganj, Lucknow, Nagpur and Kashipur. Although minor clashes occurred here and there, the police stopped the procession at most places. The state spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party said that banners reading 'I love Ram' or 'I love Muhammad (PBUH)' are not a crime; it is part of freedom of speech.

The BJP has warned that the police will take timely action if there is any violation of the law or threat.