Leaders of prominent Islamic groups and mosques in India appealed to fellow Muslims on Monday to suspend plans for protests against derogatory remarks about Prophet Mohammed made by the then spokespersons for the BJP.
The message to eschew big gatherings was circulated after demonstrations took a violent turn last week, leading to the death of two Muslim teenagers and causing injuries to more than 30 people, including police.
“It is the duty of every Muslim to stand together when anyone belittles Islam but at the same time it is critical to maintain peace,” said Malik Aslam, a senior member of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, a Muslim organisation that operates in several Indian states.
The police said they arrested at least 400 suspected rioters during unrest in several states, curfews were imposed and Internet services were suspended in some places.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not commented on the anti-Islam remarks even as condemnation grew abroad.
Countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Iran — all important trade partners for India — have lodged diplomatic protests.
