During the Muharram processions held on July 14, 2024, several anti-Hindu incidents were reported across various states in India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir, and Gujarat. One of the most notable incidents occurred in Savli, Vadodara, Gujarat, where a Palestinian flag was hoisted, prompting swift police action.
The incident in Savli took place in the Muslim-dominated area of Lahori Wagh during the evening. As preparations for Muharram were underway, the Palestinian flag was hoisted among other religious flags, which immediately caught the attention of the local police. Shocked by the sight, the police quickly removed the flag and initiated an investigation.
According to PSI Kamalia, on duty at the Savli police station, the police took immediate cognisance of the matter and began questioning three minor boys, though no arrests have been made so far.
Similar incidents were reported in Bihar, where Palestinian flags were seen during Muharram processions in several locations. In Kaimur, the presence of Palestinian flags and people wearing Palestinian-themed clothing caused a commotion. As a result, the Kaimur administration heightened its vigilance.
On July 15, the police raided printing press shops in Kaimur after receiving information that Palestinian flags and T-shirts were being produced. The police warned all printing press owners that anyone caught with objectionable items during processions would face strict action.
In Nawada, Bihar, a video surfaced showing a Palestinian flag being waved during a Muharram procession. The Nawada SP formed a team to investigate the incident, leading to the arrest of three individuals on July 15.
Another incident in Darbhanga, Bihar, involved the waving of a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession on July 8, 2024. Two individuals, Mohammad Shahid and Mohammad Ibrahim, have been booked, and a case has been filed against several unidentified people.
In Uttar Pradesh, a similar video emerged from Kanpur, depicting a Muharram procession with a Palestinian flag being waved. The video showed a small vehicle carrying a Tazia adorned with several loudspeakers, and slogans were being chanted while the Palestinian flag was prominently displayed.
Kashmir also saw reports of Palestinian flags being waved during Muharram processions on July 15. The Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested several boys in connection with this, with reports suggesting that some youths were chanting anti-America and anti-Israel slogans during the procession. It is noteworthy that this is the second consecutive year that the LG administration has permitted Muharram processions in the region.
These incidents highlight a growing trend of Palestinian flag hoisting during Muharram processions across India, raising concerns among authorities and leading to increased vigilance and police action to maintain communal harmony.
