Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has issued a strong condemnation of the arrest of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and several others, denouncing the threatening remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the police’s vindictive conduct. The Board has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained in connection with peaceful protests following the Kanpur incident.
In a press statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas expressed grave concern over the arrests, asserting that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and not a criminal act. He criticized the police’s aggressive response as a blatant misuse of authority and a serious injustice. Dr. Ilyas emphasized that slogans like “I Love Muhammad (ﷺ)” are expressions of faith and devotion, comparable to those made by followers of other religions, and should not be grounds for legal action. Filing an FIR over such a banner, he said, reflects discriminatory intent.
Dr. Ilyas also condemned the Chief Minister’s language targeting Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and protesters in Bareilly, calling it unbecoming of a constitutional office. He reminded that the Chief Minister represents all citizens, not any particular community, and must avoid communal rhetoric.
Highlighting Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s stature as a respected leader who called for peaceful protest, Dr. Ilyas reiterated that dissent against government actions is a democratic right. The Board urged authorities to withdraw all charges and release those arrested without delay, warning against the erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms.