West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday, 9 June, condemned the remarks against Prophet Muhammad by BJP functionaries Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, calling it "hate speech," and demanded their immediate arrest.
Noting that such remarks not only cause violence but also lead to societal division, she called upon people from all religions, castes, and communities to maintain peace amid provocation.
Meanwhile, protests broke out in Howrah district over Sharma's controversial remarks and ten people were arrested, the chief minister confirmed.
"I strongly seek that the accused leaders of BJP be arrested immediately so that the unity of the country is not disturbed and people at large do not face mental agony," Banerjee said.