Jalandhar: The city has witnessed communal tension on Friday evening after a confrontation broke out between Hindu and Muslim groups at Press Club Chowk. The incident occurred when members of the Muslim community were heading towards the police commissioner’s office to submit a memorandum over the ongoing ‘I Love Mohammed’ controversy.
According to the Muslim side, a scooter rider allegedly shouted provocative slogans to incite them. However, the Hindu side claimed that the rider, who had chanted “Jai Shri Ram,” was assaulted and had his scooter keys snatched.
Eyewitnesses said a crowd quickly gathered at the busy intersection, with both groups facing off and raising slogans—“Jai Shri Ram” on one side and “Allahu Akbar” on the other.
Police personnel reached the spot and attempted to defuse the situation. Security has been tightened in the area as a precaution.
All India Ulema Chairman Mohammad Akbar Ali, who was leading the Muslim delegation, said they were on their way to hand over a memorandum against discrimination towards Muslims in the country.
He alleged that a man shouted “Jai Shri Ram” to disrupt their march. Akbar Ali denied claims of assault and said the scooter keys had already been returned.
Meanwhile, BJP leader KD Bhandari joined the Hindu group at the site and staged a sit-in on the road, raising slogans of “Jai Shri Ram.” Members of the Muslim group later dispersed from the location.
