Public Outrage Grows Against Imran Raza Ansari Over Remarks on Prophet’s Companions; MMU Demands Legal Action, People Urge Sajad Lone to Expel Him from Party

Srinagar | July 13, 2025:

A major controversy has erupted in Kashmir after senior political figure and cleric Imran Raza Ansari allegedly made deeply offensive remarks against the revered Companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, particularly Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A). The comments, deemed provocative and sectarian in nature, have sparked widespread outrage among people across sects, religious scholars, and civil society.

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) — a prominent umbrella body of Islamic scholars and clerics representing all major sects, including both Sunni and Shia schools of thought — has strongly condemned Ansari’s statements, accusing him of intentionally trying to stir sectarian tensions in the Valley.

“This is not a matter of theological disagreement,” the MMU said in its statement. “It is a deliberate, malicious attempt to incite communal discord and destabilize the unity and harmony upheld for generations by Kashmir’s religious and spiritual leadership.”

The MMU had earlier issued a call for responsible conduct without naming individuals, hoping for course correction. However, in light of Ansari’s continued inflammatory behavior, the body has now publicly named him, labeling his actions as a “direct attack on Islamic ethics, unity, and mutual respect.” The MMU has demanded immediate legal action and called for a complete social boycott of Mr. Ansari.

Meanwhile, public anger has escalated across the region, with demonstrations in several areas and calls flooding social media for Sajad Gani Lone, president of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, to remove Imran Raza Ansari from the party.

Many have labeled Ansari as “mentally unfit” and “a habitual provocateur,” accusing him of repeatedly crossing the line of decency and religious sanctity.

“We demand that Sajad Lone immediately disassociate the party from Imran Ansari, who has become a source of shame and danger to communal harmony,”

Religious scholars have warned that failing to act decisively could embolden further attempts to disturb the fragile communal peace in the region.

Imran Raza Ansari, who also comes from a family of political clerics, has faced criticism in the past for divisive speeches. However, this time, his direct insult to the Prophet’s Companions — who are held in the highest esteem by all Islamic sects — has drawn a united backlash, with demands for legal, political, and social consequences.

As of now, the People’s Conference leadership has not issued a formal response to the growing calls for Ansari’s expulsion.