Derogatory remarks against any religion unacceptable: Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said derogatory remarks against the deities, great men or saints of any religion or sect are unacceptable and those doing so will be “punished vigorously”. The remarks that come in the backdrop of Dasna temple priest Yati Narsinghanand’s derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

Reviewing the law and order situation with the chief secretary, DGP and other officials, the CM said “anarchy, vandalism or arson in the name of protest is not acceptable” and “whoever dares to do this will have to pay the price for it”.

Yogi stressed that the faith of every sect and religion should be respected. “Every citizen should have a sense of gratitude towards great men, but this cannot be forced and cannot be imposed on anyone,” he added. “If any person tampers with faith, makes derogatory remarks against the faith of great men, deities, sect, etc., then he will be brought under the purview of law and punished rigorously, but people of all sects, religions will have to respect each other,” he said.

The CM also directed the police administration that every district and every police station should ensure that the upcoming festivals are celebrated with joy and harmony.

“Identify those who spoil the atmosphere and take strict action against them. Deal strictly with those who work against the law,” he said.