Solidarity march in Srinagar for Zakir Naik

Srinagar, July 8: Supporters of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik took out a solidarity march in Srinagar on Friday to condemn any action that might be taken against the scholar.

Over a dozen supporters gathered peaceful in the Residency Road area and shouted slogans in favour of Zakir Naik.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of their march, Muhammad Aamir, 35, a supporter said: "He is a renowned Islamic scholar who has always condemned terrorism."

"Any action to ban his preaching or his television channel will have serious repercussions," Aamir added.

The supporters later dispersed.

Naik is under the scanner following revelations that two of the five young militants who massacred 20 hostages, including an Indian, at a popular cafe in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on July 1, drew their inspiration from his speeches.

Founder of Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, the preacher is banned in Britain and Canada for his hate speeches aimed against other religions.

IANS