During recent Eid Milad celebrations in Odisha, processions in Bhubaneswar were marred by incidents of reckless driving and alleged anti-national slogans, including “Pakistan Zindabad,” reportedly chanted by some Muslim youths. In addition, Palestinian flags were displayed during processions in various parts of the state, adding to the controversy.
According to reports, on the occasion of Eid Milad, a group of Muslim youths drove four vehicles simultaneously along Janpath, the main road in Bhubaneswar, shouting slogans in favor of Pakistan. There were approximately 10 to 12 youths in these vehicles. During this time, they violated traffic rules, leaning out of the sunroofs and doors to shout slogans. If any vehicles came in their path, they responded with abusive language. In areas of heavy traffic, they even drove their vehicles onto the footpath.
!slamist Goons have taken over Bhubaneswar streets in the name of Eid celebrations, shouting 'Nara e Takbeer, Allah Hu Akbar' near Ram Temple, Saheed Nagar, while driving recklessly during peak hours.
Where is the law and order? @cpbbsrctc pic.twitter.com/WoHMjIpJqJ
— Debiprasad (@AskLipun) September 16, 2024
They attempted to run over a traffic employee stationed at Satyanagar Big Bazaar Chowk. This group instilled fear and chaos on Janpath for an extended period, driving at speeds of 80 and sometimes 60 km/h on the crowded road. As a result, those traveling on Janpath were terrified, with no option but to record videos of the incident. The day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhubaneswar, which had tight security arrangements in place, these individuals openly defied the authorities and caused terror on the roads.
Our team is continuously working to identify and apprehend others involved.#WeCareWeDare #ZeroTolerance #SafeCity" pic.twitter.com/SSov3nKlpF
— COMMISSIONERATE POLICE (@cpbbsrctc) September 16, 2024
The video of these youths causing a disturbance on the roads began to go viral on social media, prompting the public to question the Commissionerate Police about their lack of action. In response, the police took action, with the Special Squad recovering three vehicles and arresting five individuals. However, five others managed to escape in one of the vehicles, and efforts are underway to apprehend them. Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh has stated that the remaining suspects will be apprehended soon.
Our team is continuously working to identify and apprehend others involved.#WeCareWeDare #ZeroTolerance #SafeCity" pic.twitter.com/SSov3nKlpF
— COMMISSIONERATE POLICE (@cpbbsrctc) September 16, 2024
The Palestine flag waved in Kendrapada city
Similarly a controversy has erupted in Kendrapada city after a Palestinian flag was spotted during an Eid Milad procession organized by Muslims. According to reports, some Muslim youths were seen waving the flag in front of a police post near the old bus stand, sparking a strong reaction from the public after photos went viral on social media.
Local leaders have responded to the incident, with Muktar Khan, vice president of the Jashn-e-Miladun Navi Committee, stating that the incident didn’t occur during the procession, but if it happened later, they regret it. Hifzur Rahman, another local leader, emphasised that the procession was peaceful and they didn’t see the Palestinian flag, condemning the act and stating it should not have been done.
Kendrapada Town Police Station Officer Dillip Sahu downplayed the incident, stating that upon receiving information, officers were dispatched to the scene but found no evidence of the Palestinian flag. Additionally, no formal complaint has been filed regarding the matter.
The Palestinian flag displayed during the procession in Cuttack city
Reports emerged of Palestinian flags being displayed during Eid Milad processions in multiple cities, including Kendrapada and Cuttack. In Cuttack, Commissionerate Police responded promptly to a complaint, recovering the flag in question. However, upon further inspection, authorities claimed that the flag resembled the Palestinian flag but was not actually one
According to reports, on September 16, an Eid Milad procession marched from Mastan Dargah near Buxibazaar to Qadam-e-Rasul in Cuttack, drawing participants from various Muslim neighborhoods. However, a controversy emerged when locals spotted a youth waving a Palestinian flag near Buxibazaar Chowk. Promptly alerted, local police from Dargah Bazar police station swiftly intervened and confiscated the flag from the youth, pre-empting potential unrest.
Later ADCP Anil Mishra claimed that the flag was confiscated due to a complaint, and upon closer inspection, it was found to resemble the Palestinian flag, but wasn’t actually one.
Allegations surfaced recently regarding pro-Pakistan slogans being chanted during the victory rally of a Congress candidate in Cuttack, following her win.
These incidents in Odisha have sent shockwaves throughout the state, disturbing its peaceful atmosphere. Locals are outraged and demanding severe action against those responsible. They fear that if such activities aren’t met with stern punishment, the situation will escalate and spiral out of control in the days to come.
