Venkaiah Naidu hints at action against preacher Zakir Naik

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said speeches of Islamic preacher and Salafi ideologue Zakir Naik are objectionable, indicating the government may take action against him.

"The Home Ministry will analyse everything," Naidu said, adding that speeches of Naik "are objectionable".

A controversial preacher, Zakir Naik recently hit the headlines following revelation that two out of five young militants who attacked a popular cafe in Dhakha on July 1 drew their inspiration from his speeches.

Young militant Rohan Imtiaz, son of an Awami League leader, posted a message on Facebook last year quoting Peace TV's preacher Naik "urging all Muslims to be terrorists".

Condemning the attacks in Bangladesh, Naidu said terrorism has no religion or region and called for the entire world to unite against it.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday indicated that the government was contemplating action against Naik, saying it was a "matter of law" and the agencies concerned will take "appropriate action".

Naik, founder of Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, is banned in the United Kingdom and Canada for his alleged hate speeches aimed against other religions.

--IANS

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