Since morning, hashtags of Nupur Sharma and the boycott of Indian products have been trending on social media.
Nupur Sharma has been making headlines for all the reasons not only in India and Pakistan but also among Gulf countries where her remarks against Prophet (PBUH) drew backlash. Now many outraged netizens have demanded a ban on Sharma and Indian products being used in Muslim countries despite Sharma being suspended from her post.
Who is Nupur Sharma?
Nupur Sharma is the Indian ruling party BJP’s national spokesperson who now has been suspended from her post after the controversial remarks. She began her political journey in student politics since she studied in Delhi University.
Nupur Sharma later went to abroad for studies and she was the Youth Ambassador of Tech for India. Upon returning to the country, she worked for the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.
In 2008, Nupur Sharma won the election of the President of Delhi University Students’ Union from ABVP. She had also worked as a member of the National Executive in the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She has been a prominent face of the BJP held various significant posts in the party.
Remarks against Prophet (PBUH)
It all started in the backdrop of a series of communal incidents across the country, BJP national spokesperson Nupur Sharma made a comment during a TV debate during an interview in Qatar where she purportedly insulted the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
She made highly derogatory remarks against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and disrespected him.
Suspension and apology
After being suspended from the BJP party, Nupur Sharma issued an apology on her social media account and said she unconditionally withdraw her statement. Several FIRs have been filed against Nupur Sharma in Maharashtra and a violent clash erupted in Kanpur after her remarks on Prophet Muhammad during a TV debate.
Gulf countries’ outrage
Outrage over the remarks has spread in the Arab world with a trending Twitter hashtag calling for a boycott of Indian products in some countries. Meanwhile, Iran, Qatar, and Kuwait have summoned the Indian envoys to register their protest.
Saudi Arabia described BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s comments as “insulting” and called for “respect for beliefs and religions”, according to a foreign ministry statement.
Qatar, Kuwait and Iran summoned the Indian envoy on Sunday amid widespread calls on social media for a boycott of Indian goods in the Gulf.
Kuwait summoned India’s ambassador and demanded a “public apology for these hostile statements, the continuation of which would constitute a deterrent measure or punishment to increase extremism and hatred and undermine the elements of moderation”.
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Pakistan condemns remarks
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the remarks made by the BJP leaders against Prophet Muhammed.
“I condemn in strongest possible words hurtful comments of India’s BJP leader about our beloved Prophet (PBUH).Have said it repeatedly India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms & persecuting Muslims. World should take note & severely reprimand India. Our love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is supreme. All Muslims can sacrifice their life for the Love & Respect of their Holy Prophet (PBUH),” tweeted PM Shehbaz Shehbaz.
Call for boycott of Indian products
There were also local media reports of many superstores in the Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain removing Indian products from their shelves. Moreover, social media users are also demanding a boycott of the products.
