Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir naik and his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) have all reasons to be concerned as of now. According to reports, A letter written by Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar to the Ministry of Home Affairs seems to have suggested that Zakir Naik should be booked under the anti-terror law and the government should stop him from making public appearances. The letter further stated that Naik’s ideology is divisive and against India’s pluralistic, secular and social fabric.
In July, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju too had shown concern over Naik’s divisive speeches. In an interview in Delhi, he said that “Zakir Naik’s speech is a matter of concern for us. Our agencies are working on this. But as a minister, I will not comment what action will be taken.”
Zakir Naik is currently in Saudi Arabia. He is under the scanner of state and central agencies for allegedly making incendiary speeches. But he rejected charges and claimed that he never encouraged anyone to kill innocent people. Naik’s trouble had started after the attack in Dhaka because the attackers had claimed that they were inspired by his speeches. However, Naik who calls himself “The messenger of Peace” had condemned all form of terrorist attacks.
He had also put the blame on Indian media alleging that they had doctored his statements. He also was found mentioning about his channel Peace TV quoting , “Our channel is promoting peace.”
The controversial Islamic orator and founder of Mumbai-based IRF is banned in the UK and Canada for his ‘hate speech’ aimed at other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is known in Bangladesh through his Peace TV.
