Palestinian Flags Spark Controversy at Muharram Processions in India

Police in multiple Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, have apprehended individuals for allegedly waving Palestinian flags during Muharram processions. The incidents have sparked concerns about communal unrest. Authorities are investigating the motives behind these actions and have denied any links to militant groups.

Police in Khandwa city, Madhya Pradesh, apprehended three individuals for allegedly waving a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession, official sources disclosed on Thursday.

In the state's Rajgarh district, police detained a minor after he appeared in a video raising the Palestinian flag. However, he was released after questioning, authorities confirmed. Muslims across India observed Muharram with tazia processions and special prayers, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain Ali in the battle of Karbala.

Khandwa Superintendent of Police Manoj Rai told PTI that a prominent leader of Vishva Hindu Parishad filed a complaint, claiming the flag-waving aimed to incite communal tension. Meanwhile, in Rajgarh, Sub Divisional Officer of Police Upendra Bhati clarified that the minor boy was let go after questioning. Both districts' police denied the flags had any affiliation with militant group Hamas, asserting no anti-Israel slogans were chanted. Yet, eyewitnesses in Khandwa reported hearing such slogans at Shivaji Chowk. Similar incidents were reported in various Indian states.

In Jharkhand, police arrested a 28-year-old man on Thursday for waving a Palestinian flag in Dumka district's Muharram procession, with another person detained for related offenses.

In West Bengal, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari shared a video on social media depicting a Palestinian flag during a procession in Murshidabad district, calling for police action.

(With inputs from agencies.)