The Karnataka Muslim Muttahida Mahaz, a union of 28 Muslim groups, has called for Muslims in Bengaluru to observe a peaceful bandh on January 22. The bandh has been called to challenge the imposition of the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) over the accused in the Bengaluru riots case and in support of the innocents who have been jailed. Hundreds have been arrested so far.
A fact-finding report probing the incident had noted that almost everyone they met during their field visits to the affected areas believed that innocent bystanders had been arrested. “In none of the arrests, the police have explained why the men were being arrested and for what charges,” the report adds.
Demanding the release of innocent youth who were arrested after the KG Halli and DJ Halli violence, the Muslim groups said that businesses and shops owned by Muslims will remain closed till 5 pm on January 22.
Massive protests and violence erupted on 11 August, after angry Muslim mobs incensed over a Facebook post insulting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the lack of police complicity in filing an FIR, resorted to arson. The incident resulted in the death of four young Muslim men in police firing and the arrests of hundreds of others. The derogatory post was posted on Facebook by Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy’s nephew.
