Bengaluru: Karnataka has seen a surge in communal tensions following a series of incidents that have unsettled the state. On Monday, (September 16) Palestinian flags were displayed during Milad-ul-Nabi processions in Chitradurga, Davanagere, and Kolar, igniting unrest. This came shortly after violence broke out during a Ganesha murti-immersion procession in Nagamangala, Mandya district, where rioters vandalised vehicles and shops.
Although calm has returned to Nagamangala, heightened security measures remain in place across the state. BJP leaders R Ashoka and CT Ravi have called on the Siddaramaiah-led government to hand over the investigation of communal incidents, including the Nagamangala violence, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They have voiced concerns about the potential involvement of sleeper cells and divisive forces from neighboring regions.
In Chitradurga, a group of young men reportedly raised pro-Palestine slogans during an Eid Milad procession, prompting the police to confiscate two Palestinian flags. Similarly, in Davanagere, unrest flared up when flags were placed on a mobile tower near a police station in Gandhinagar on Sunday evening, leading to communal disturbances. Police have since registered a case against eight individuals believed to be involved in the incident.
In Mangaluru, six suspects were detained for allegedly attacking a mosque near Surathkal on Sunday night. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal confirmed that five of the suspects have prior criminal records. The accused are believed to have thrown stones at the Masjidul Huda Juma Masjid in Katipalla, causing damage to its windows.
Meanwhile, another potential flashpoint was defused in Bantwal, about 25 km from Mangaluru, when authorities intervened to prevent a protest rally at Bantwal Cross Road from escalating. These events have raised alarm about growing communal discord and the need for enhanced security to preserve peace in the state.
The state government has been urged to act quickly to prevent further incidents. With tensions still simmering, law enforcement agencies are on high alert to maintain order and prevent any resurgence of violence.
Former HM Jnanendra warned protest
A pro-Palestine flex placed in the Market area of Thirthahalli taluk in Shimoga district has sparked outrage and controversy. The flex, bearing the message “We Stand with Palestine,” was installed near a religious site significant to both Hindus and Muslims, igniting tensions in the community.
The location in question, Mangerekatte, is home to both a dargah and a Bhutappa temple, and is known for its spiritual significance to followers of both religions. While a flex had been installed near the dargah on the occasion of Eid Milad earlier, the specific endorsement of Palestine outside of the religious celebration has raised concerns.
Former Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has strongly condemned the incident, expressing his outrage and demanding swift action against those responsible. In a letter to the Shimoga Superintendent of Police (SP), he called for an investigation into the matter and warned of severe protest . Jnanendra also suggested the involvement of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to thoroughly examine the origins and intentions behind the flex.
“Hindu organisations have expressed their displeasure over the display, as the site is sacred for both communities. The act of placing a politically charged flex in such a sensitive location is unacceptable,” said Jnanendra.
The former minister also pointed to recent incidents in the region, including the Mangaluru cooker bomb blast, suggesting that such actions need to be scrutinized for their potential links to larger security concerns. Police forces have been deployed to the area as a precautionary measure, and tensions remain high as authorities investigate the situation.
HM Parameshwar promised action
State Home Minister G. Parameshwar confirmed on Wednesday that several individuals involved in hoisting Palestinian flags during Eid Milad processions across multiple districts have been arrested. The minister, speaking to the media in Bengaluru, emphasized that action will be taken against those who incite such acts, especially involving young children.
In some districts, Palestinian flags were reportedly distributed and given to children to hold during the religious procession. Minister Parameshwar stated that an investigation is underway to determine who orchestrated the display of the flags, particularly focusing on the involvement of children as young as 17 and 18 years old.
“We will investigate who instigated this act. Giving Palestinian flags to children is a serious concern, and we need to understand the motive behind it,” said Parameshwar. He added that the individuals responsible for influencing the young participants have already been apprehended based on initial reports.
While addressing the controversy, Parameshwar acknowledged that there have been similar incidents reported in at least three districts. Although the central government has publicly expressed support for Palestine, he emphasised that the hoisting of the Palestinian flag in such a context could stir tensions, leading to the decision to arrest those involved.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the source of the instigation and any potential links to larger political motives behind the flag displays during the religious event.
