Observing that controversial preacher Zakir Naik is spreading "contempt" towards other religions through his speeches, some Muslim activists today demanded that such "hate-mongers" be prosecuted for promoting enmity between religious groups.
Addressing a joint press conference here, activists including Javed Anand, Feroze Mithiborwala, Noorjehan Niaz and Zeenat Ali said that "Naik preaches contempt, though not hatred, towards other religious".
Mithiborwala said, "all such hate-mongers, including Naik, should be probed and prosecuted for promoting enmity between religious groups".
Anand said the main question regarding Naik and his preachings on his channel is "whether he is aiding and abetting terrorism?"
Demanding probe against the tele-evangelist, he said Naik is not a messenger of peace "but he has been spreading prejudice against other religions, especially contempt, for past several years".
Zeenat Ali said, "Naik's understanding is very puritanical and several Muslim organisations have joined hands against Naik".
However, we are more concerned about the fact that certain sections of Muslim leaders are supporting Naik, she added.
The activists unanimously condemned Naik's speeches.
Naik, who runs Peace TV which has millions of followers in various countries, is currently under scanner of various agencies after at least one of the terrorists involved in Dhaka attack had posted that he was influenced by Naik's sermons.
