Indian Americans Condemn Mass Crackdown on Muslims in India for Peaceful Expression of Faith
Washington, D.C. (September 25) – The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) today strongly condemned the alarming wave of police crackdowns across India targeting Muslims for peacefully expressing their reverence for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
According to the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), at least 21 FIRs have been registered, 1,324 people booked, and 38 arrested as of September 23, 2025. These shocking figures reflect the criminalization of peaceful religious expression and a blatant violation of fundamental rights and religious freedoms.
The crackdown began after police in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, booked multiple individuals for carrying a signboard reading “I Love Muhammad” during a Barawafat procession, absurdly accusing them of disturbing communal harmony. The phrase, which embodies devotion and faith has since sparked a growing campaign across India, with Muslims displaying banners, posters, and social media messages reiterating their reverence for the Prophet.
Instead of respecting this peaceful expression, authorities in multiple states have responded with intimidation, arrests, and violence. In Gujarat state, police publicly paraded Muslim youths and allegedly beat one young man at a station for posting a reel with the slogan. In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai, peaceful gatherings have been met with police scrutiny and harassment.
“Since when has expressing love for Prophet Muhammad become a crime?” asked IAMC President Mohammad Jawad. “The Indian government’s persecution of Muslims for affirming a fundamental aspect of their faith exposes the deep hostility and discrimination institutionalized under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule and its Hindu nationalist allies. This is nothing less than an assault on freedom of religion and expression.”
IAMC joins Indian rights groups in demanding the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs, the release of those arbitrarily arrested, and an end to the persecution of Muslims for their peaceful religious practices. The Indian government must stop weaponizing the law against its own citizens and instead uphold its duty to protect the rights of all communities.
