J&K: YouTuber held for uploading 'beheading' video of Nupur Sharma
Kashmir-based YouTuber Faisal Wani was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police on Saturday for uploading a video depicting the "beheading" of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. Wani enacted the execution and posted the video on his YouTube channel. The video showed Wani targeting Sharma for her remarks on Prophet Muhammad. He then stages a beheading on her photograph using a sword.
Why does this story matter?
This comes days after the BJP suspended Sharma on Sunday in response to considerable criticism on social media, particularly from Arab countries. Multiple complaints were filed against Sharma as a result of her statements in Maharashtra and Telangana. On Sunday, she apologized, stating she never meant to offend anyone's religious beliefs. The issue also triggered protests and violence after Friday prayers in several cities.
Wani deletes video, apologizes
Wani's video went viral but received a huge backlash from netizens who condemned the staged act of violence. Later, he deleted the video and apologized in another video. "Yes, I made the video but I did not have any ill intention. I deleted the video and I apologize if it hurt anyone," he said. Wani runs a fitness-focused YouTube channel called Deep Pain Fitness.
Author Tasleema Nasreen criticizes 'Muslim fanatics'
Bangladesh's controversial author Taslima Nasreen on Saturday tweeted on the controversy surrounding the remarks against the Prophet saying, "Prophet Muhammad would have been shocked to see the madness of Muslim fanatics around the world."
Take a look at Nasreen's tweet
What exactly did Sharma say?
During a recent debate on the Gyanvapi Mosque row on a TV channel, Sharma stated that because Muslims were insulting the Hindu faith by calling the unearthed Shivling a fountain, certain aspects in their religious scriptures may be mocked as well. She then made a mention of Prophet Muhammad's marriage, too. Her remarks sparked uproar and elicited responses from religious organizations and political parties.
Sharma's remarks received global attention
Reports of Indians, who represent a large percentage of the workforce in the Gulf countries, being laid off by their Arab bosses began to surface on the internet, along with reports of many Gulf superstores removing Indian products. The hashtag "Boycott India" started trending on Twitter. In fact, the Grand Mufti of Oman as well as popular Twitter accounts had called for a boycott.
BJP's clarification over Sharma's controversial remarks
"During the thousands of years of the history of India, every religion has blossomed and flourished. The BJP respects all religions," BJP had clarified on Sunday. "India's Constitution gives the right to every citizen to practice any religion...and to honor and respect every religion," it said adding they are committed to making India a great country as it celebrates the 75th year of independence.
