Amidst allegations that Islamist preacher Zakir Naik was involved in making hate speeches, Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said CDs of his speeches are being examined for necessary action and asserted that the government will not compromise on the issue of terrorism.
“We have taken cognisance of Zakir Naik’s speeches and have given necessary instructions for a probe. A thorough investigation will be done.
“CDs of his speeches are being examined,” Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The home minister said necessary action will be taken in this regard.
“As far as government is concerned, we will not compromise on terrorism at any cost. Whatever is justified will be done,” he said.
Naik, founder of Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, is banned in Britain and Canada for his hate speeches aimed against other religions.
Cops deployed outside Naik’s office in Mumbai
The Maharashtra government on Thursday ordered a probe into Naik’s speeches.
Security personnel were deployed outside Naik’s ‘Islamic Research Foundation’ office at Dongri area in South Mumbai as a precautionary measure in the wake of the escalating row over his alleged hate speeches.
Naik for his part released a statement, saying he “totally disagreed” that he inspired the act of killing innocent people in Dhaka. “There is not a single talk of mine where I encouraged one to kill another, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.”
Digivjaya Singh under attacks sharing stage with Naik
Senior Congress leader Digivjaya Singh was in BJP’s line of fire after a 2012 video showing him share a dais with the 50-year-old televangelist praising him at an event to promote communal harmony surfaced on Thursday. The video in which Singh said Naik is a “man of peace” also triggered a slugfest between BJP and Congress.
Digvijay Singh, who was seen praising Naik in the 2012 video, defended himself, saying if there was any evidence against the preacher, then the Indian and Bangladeshi governments should take action against him.
“I have appealed for communal harmony and opposed religious fundamentalism and terrorism by either Hindus or Muslims,” the Congress leader added.
However, BJP was quick to target Singh and also demanded action against Naik, saying he was a “threat” to national security as it was clear from his speeches that he “incited” people. Citing Singh’s comments, BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said, “It is in Congress’ character to politicise and glorify terrorism. Its leaders used terms like Hafiz saab and Osama ji for terrorists.
Responding to BJP’s attack, Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said there was no place in Indian society for obscurantist and extremist thoughts and Congress party has always fought the forces of hate and division which have threatened India’s integrity.
Coming to the defence of Singh, Congress Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the senior leader has himself stated that he only appealed for peace, harmony and brotherhood.
