Protests over offensive anti-Islam film-India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

A statewide shutdown, in protest against the alleged anti-Islam film that has sparked violent protests worldwide,was being observed across the state on Tuesday. The shutdown, called by various religious organisations like Jamaat Ahle Sunnat is being supported by separatists Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Muhammad Nayeem Khan. The local bar association has also supported the protest. Interacting with reporters, Asif, one of the residents, said, “The whole Kashmir is shut today. The call was given by Jamaat Ahle Sunnat to protest against the movie made by America on Prophet Mohammad. We condemn the film. You can see the colleges and schools are also closed.” All shops, business establishments, schools, colleges and government offices were closed and public transport remained off –roads across the state including Baramulla, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Badgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Kupwara and Bandipora. Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in full riot gear have been deployed at all the sensitive places in uptown and old city areas here to maintain law and order. Reports suggest that a man from California , linked to the film was questioned on Saturday by the US authorities investigating possible violations of his probation for a bank fraud conviction. The 13-minute English-language short film, titled 'Innocence of Muslims,’ portrays Prophet Mohammad engaged in crude and offensive behaviour, shoeing him as a womaniser, a homosexual and a child abuser. Demonstrations against the film flared in Egypt , Yemen and other Islamic countries, with embassies of the United States of America often becoming the targets of popular anger among Muslims questioning why the US has failed to take action against the producers of the film.

Shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir over offensive Prophet film