‘Say No To Violence, Abusive Language’: Muslim Cleric Backs PM Narendra Modi's Message For Youth | Exclusive

Published 2 August 2026 · local

‘Say No To Violence, Abusive Language’: Muslim Cleric Backs PM Narendra Modi's Message For Youth | Exclusive Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: August 02

‘Say No To Violence, Abusive Language’: Muslim Cleric Backs PM Narendra Modi's Message For Youth | Exclusive Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: August 02, 2026, 14:22 IST Imam Ilyasi said that while democracy thrives on debate, criticism and disagreement, the office of the PM should be accorded dignity and respect Rapid Read Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, PM Narendra Modi (right). Backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message, Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam and a prominent Muslim religious leader, urged young demonstrators to show restraint, avoid violence and refrain from using abusive language while expressing dissent. PM Modi, in a recent Instagram reel, said he forgave the student protesters who hurled abusive language at him and his late mother during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protest over NEET paper leaks, stating that “abuses never solve anything" and that guiding the youth is more constructive than legal punishment.

WHAT IMAM ILYASI SAID Speaking exclusively to News18, Imam Ilyasi said that while democracy thrives on debate, criticism and disagreement, the office of the Prime Minister represents the nation and should be accorded dignity and respect irrespective of political differences. He emphasised that opposing government policies is a legitimate democratic right, but maintained that using abusive or derogatory language against the country’s elected leader undermines the dignity of the nation. Addressing the youth, the Chief Imam appealed to young citizens not to be swayed by political narratives that promote hostility or confrontation. Instead, he called upon them to channel their energy into constructive dialogue, peaceful advocacy and democratic engagement. According to Imam Ilyasi, lasting solutions can only emerge through civil discourse and non-violent means, rather than through provocation or the use of offensive language. WHAT PM MODI SAID Students organised massive demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over paper leaks and exam irregularities.

During the protests, a viral video surfaced showing a female student and other protesters using highly objectionable, filthy language targeting PM Modi and his late mother, Heeraben Modi. The Delhi and Noida police registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against those using derogatory remarks. The student in the viral video subsequently issued a public video apology, claiming she was misguided. In a late-night video message shared on social media, PM Modi addressed the controversy directly. He described the protesters as “misguided children" and explicitly stated, “I want to forgive them, and society too should accept this". He expressed that witnessing young daughters use such language was a “cultural shock", but used an analogy of the tongue and teeth, noting that even if we accidentally bite our tongue, we do not break our teeth because both belong to us. He urged society to embrace these youths, mentor them onto the right path, and work together for the nation.