VHP demands arrest of Zakir Naik under sedition charges

The VHP on Saturday demanded arrest of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for sedition, saying that his sermons and speeches promote radicalism and terrorism.

"The VHP is of clear view that Zakir Naik's speeches give rise to terrorism and promote Islamic radicalism," Vishwa Hindu Parishad Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain told IANS.

"A section of Islamic society is getting influenced by his preaches and inclining towards terrorism," he added, seeking his arrest for sedition.

"He (Zakir) urges youth to become terrorists. He openly supports Osama Bin Laden. The government must act tough against him. A case of sedition should be filed against him and he must be arrested at the earliest," he said, and also attacked the preacher for seeking support from Muslim community against his "media trials".

"This is a clear attempt to provoke Muslims. By seeking support of Muslim community he has made another crime. The Union Home Ministry must look into it," Jain said.

Naik is under scanner following revelations that two of the five young militants who massacred 20 hostages, including an Indian, in a Dhaka cafe on July 1 drew their inspiration from his speeches.

Facing investigation, Naik on Saturday tweeted : "I, Dr Zakir Naik, Call upon all my Muslim Brothers & Sisters to Support me against the "Media Trials" and Let Justice Prevail."

However, in another tweet, he said: "I appeal to all people worldwide to work together on the causes, ways and solutions to eliminate TERRORISM FROM OUR MIDST."

--IANS

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