**After UP, Clash in Karnataka Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Banner**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 25, 2025, 11:23 am*
A communal clash erupted in Davanagere’s Karl Marx Nagar in Karnataka on Wednesday night over a flex banner displaying the message “I Love Muhammad.” The conflict reportedly began when youths from another 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 altercation, stones were hurled, resulting in damage to a few houses and injuring a young girl who was later admitted to a government hospital.
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### UP Clash Originated in Kanpur
The controversy initially started in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4 during a Barawafat procession. Local youths carried green flags and posters bearing the phrase “I Love Muhammad.” By evening, similar banners had appeared at traffic junctions and shop fronts across Beconganj and Anwarganj.
Locals stated the intention was purely devotional. However, some local Hindu groups objected, claiming that a “new tradition” was being introduced in spaces traditionally used for Barawafat celebrations.
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### Widespread Unrest and Spread to Other States
The controversy quickly escalated, sparking unrest in other parts of Uttar Pradesh and spreading to several other states and cities, including Uttarakhand, Telangana, Nagpur, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kashipur.
In Bareilly, the police prevented a group from putting up 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 following discussions with district officials.
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### Official Response Amid Protests
In Kashipur, protests turned violent, resulting in multiple arrests and the demolition of unauthorized structures by the district administration. Police stated the protest was conducted without permission.
According to SSP Manikant Mishra, police efforts to control the demonstrators were met with aggression, with the crowd attacking law enforcement personnel and damaging vehicles.
“Seven people have been arrested and 10 detained. The mastermind, Nadeem Akhtar, is being questioned to uncover the source of these activities that culminated in violence,” Mishra explained.
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### Community Engagement and Calls for Peace
Peace committee meetings have since been organized in Kanpur, Bareilly, and Sambhal to promote calm and harmony.
Religious leaders have condemned the violence and urged sensitivity from authorities. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi 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 devotion.”
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The situation remains tense as communities and authorities work towards restoring peace in affected areas.
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