Umm Muhammed Umar

At least two Muslim youngsters were killed as Hindutva mobs unleashed violence against Muslim protesters in the city of Ranchi, in Jharkhand state, India. Over 10 others sustained severe injuries, as confirmed by the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences.

The protests by thousands of Muslims, in various Indian cities, followed derogatory comments about Prophet Mohammad (Peace be Upon Him) by two Bharatiya Janata Party spokespersons.

24News reports that the deceased were identified only as 15-year-old Mudassir, of Islamnagar locality, and Sahil, of Christia Nagar on the Mahatama Gandhi Road. A relative said that the boy had been returning from the mosque after Friday prayers, when he was pelted with stones, from a temple. This triggered people on the road to also begin pelting him. Police opened fire supposedly to subdue the situation. The teenager sustained a bullet to the head, but its at yet unclear whether the police or a member of the mob had fired at him. He was rushed to Ranchi Institute of Medical Science where he passed away.

Another Muslim youth, Sahil, was also killed in the violence. According to 24News an eyewitness reported that at least 15 Muslims were injured in the shooting.

Meanwhile a Muslim trader reported, “More than 1 100 shops in the market in Ranchi were shut since (Friday) morning in protest against the remarks of Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal. We demand their immediate arrest.” He said they had wanted a peaceful procession but were not granted permission to do so by the police. he said, “So, we were protesting peacefully outside our shops here.”

Four policemen were also injured, and the city has been placed under a curfew.

Sharma’s remarks have plunged India into a diplomatic storm, with the governments of almost 20 countries having summoned Indian envoys to their country, for an explanation. Further, several other countries have also witnessed protests in response to the derogatory comments about the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him).