Preacher Zakir ik not returning soon

Mumbai, July 11: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir ik is not expected to return home to Mumbai for a few more weeks as he is on a scheduled tour of the UAE and Africa, an aide said here on Monday. Dismissing speculation of his return on Monday and his addressing the media on Tuesday, the aide said ik planned to interact with mediapersons over Skype and not in person but that too has been cancelled. Presently, ik is in Saudi Arabia. H would proceed to the United Arab Emirates for a series of engagements and later visit Africa before leaving for Mumbai after a few weeks. ik, 50, is at the centre of a storm with calls for imposing a ban on his TV for allegedly inflammatory speeches. The Bharatiya Jata Pary-led government in Maharashtra has already ordered a probe into his teachings, speeches and literature. Its ally Shiv Se has demanded stringent action under law at par with the treatment given to Hindu activists. The Centre has indicated that ik could face action if his speeches were found objectioble while the Indian Union Muslim League has come out in his support. (IANS)