Two killed in India protests over remarks against Prophet

Rapic Action Force personnel stand guard along a road during a partial curfew imposed following violent demonstrations against Bharatiya Janata Party former spokeswoman Nupur Sharma's remarks on the Prophet Mohammed, in Ranchi on June 11, 2022.

Indian police shot dead two protesters and arrested more than 130 others during street rallies sparked by a ruling party official's remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (may blessings and peace be upon him), authorities said Saturday.

There have been widespread protests in the Muslim world since last week, when a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party made controversial comments about Prophet Muhammad on a TV debate show.

In India and neighbouring countries, Muslims took to the streets in huge numbers after Friday prayers to condemn the remarks, with police firing on a crowd in the eastern Indian city of Ranchi. 

"Police were forced to open fire to disperse protesters... resulting in the death of two," a police officer in Ranchi told AFP.