Indian Muslim groups urge followers to shun protests over anti-Islam comments

FILE PHOTO: A bulldozer demolishes the house of a Muslim man that Uttar Pradesh state authorities accuse of being involved in riots last week, that erupted following comments about the Prophet Mohammed by India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members, in Prayagraj, India, June 12, 2022. Authorities claim the house was illegally built. REUTERS/Ritesh Shukla

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Leaders of prominent Islamic groups and mosques in India appealed to fellow Muslims on Monday to suspend plans for protests against derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammad made by two members of the ruling Hindu-nationalist party.

The message to avoid big gatherings was circulated after demonstrations took a violent turn last week, leading to the death of two Muslim teenagers and the wounding of more than 30 people, including police.