According to Reuters an appeal to suspend further demonstrations was made by some mosques and Islamic groups on Monday after authorities in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have demolished houses linked to Muslim protesters accused of involvement in riots last week.

“It is the duty of every Muslim to stand together when anyone belittles Islam but at the same time it is critical to maintain peace,” said Malik Aslam, a senior member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, a Muslim organisation that operates in several Indian states.

Officials claim the homes were built illegally, but critics say the government is using building regulations to try and intimidate people from the Muslim community.

Demonstrations had marched in several Indian cities and towns in recent days over remarks made by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party figures about Prophet Muhammad.

Protests in UP, India’s most populous state, turned violent last week.

More than 300 people have been arrested since then and several homes demolished.

Aljazeera/Agencies