New Delhi: Hundreds of activists of Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind on October 8 courted arrest at the capital protesting against the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demand for deletion of verses advocating Jehad from Islamic scriptures.

Led by the outfit's president Maulana Asad Madani and shouting slogans such as 'Allaho Akbar', the activists courted arrest at Parliament Street police station as part of its ongoing 'Mulk-o-Millat Bachao' (save the nation and country) movement and the weeklong 'Jail Bharo' (pack the jails) programme.

"The demand of VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia that verses advocating 'Jehad' should be deleted from the Holy 'Quran' is mischievous. They should understand that these verses advocating 'Jehad' are meant for those who confront Muslims," Madani said addressing the protesters.

He said, "Quran ordained that Muslims should have friendly relations with those who do not suppress them and recommends peace, goodwill and fraternal equality with them."

"Quran is a matter of faith for us. Nobody has the right to ask for change or amendment in its text. Muslims will not tolerate such demands. It is the responsibility of the government to look after every Indian and ensure there was no discrimination on the basis of creed," Madani said.

The Jamiat chief also called upon the government to put an end to the "injustice and discrimination meted out to Muslims".

Later, the arrested activists were released.

PTI