**Communal Clash Erupts in Karnataka Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Banner Following UP Row**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 25, 2025, 11:23 am*

A communal clash broke out on Wednesday night in Karl Marx Nagar, Davanagere, Karnataka, triggered by a flex banner displaying the message “I Love Muhammad.” The altercation reportedly began after youths from a different community demanded the removal of the banner.

“People had gathered from both sides, but the police immediately intervened and dispersed everyone,” said SP Davanagere Uma Prashnath. During the scuffle, stones were thrown, damaging several houses and injuring a young girl who was subsequently admitted to a government hospital.

### Background: Initial Clashes in Uttar Pradesh

The controversy over the “I Love Muhammad” banner first ignited in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, beginning on September 4. Local youths carried green flags and posters with the phrase during a Barawafat procession. By evening, many similar banners appeared at traffic crossroads and on shopfronts across Beconganj and Anwarganj. According to locals, the display was purely devotional.

However, local Hindu groups objected, claiming that the banners introduced a “new tradition” in places historically used for Barawafat celebrations, triggering tensions.

### Widespread Unrest and Geographic Spread

The dispute quickly escalated, spreading beyond Kanpur to multiple areas within Uttar Pradesh and other states including Uttarakhand, Telangana, Maharashtra (Nagpur, Mumbai, Hyderabad), and Kashipur.

In Bareilly, police stopped a group from installing a large “I Love Muhammad” hoarding near Dargah Ala Hazrat, citing concerns over traffic congestion during Friday prayers. This led to a brief sit-in protest which was later called off after negotiations with district officials.

### Official Response to the Protests

In Kashipur, a protest turned violent, resulting in arrests and demolition of certain structures by the district administration. Police officials stated that the demonstration was conducted without prior permission.

According to the district SSP, Manikant Mishra, attempts to control the protestors met with resistance, including attacks on police personnel and vandalism of their vehicles. “Seven people have been arrested and 10 detained. The mastermind, Nadeem Akhtar, is being questioned to uncover the origins of the activities that culminated in violence,” he said.

### Community and Leadership Response

In an effort to calm tensions, peace committee meetings have been conducted in Kanpur, Bareilly, and Sambhal. Religious leaders have condemned the violence and appealed for sensitivity from the administration.

Asaduddin Owaisi, president of AIMIM, framed the issue as one of constitutional rights, stating, “Saying ‘I Love Muhammad’ is not a crime. If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims must not be harassed for expressing their devotion.”

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The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding religious expression in India, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding among communities to prevent further unrest.
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