Across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, at least six individuals were arrested or booked for displaying Palestinian flags during Eid Milad-un-Nabi processions. The incidents have sparked FIRs, political backlash, and fresh debates over communal harmony and questions of allegiance.
Bulandshahr (UP): 2 arrested for waving Palestinian flags
In Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, police arrested two youths after they were caught waving Palestinian flags in the Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession on September 5.
The incident took place in full view of administrative and police officials. Videos quickly went viral, sparking outrage and prompting immediate action.
According to SP Rural Dr. Tejpveer Singh, the accused were identified as Owais (son of Ashraf) and Suja (son of Khalid), residents of Noorwafan Mohalla. Both were booked under Section 299B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for violating peace committee guidelines.
Police confirmed the arrests and assured that further surveillance will be maintained to prevent recurrence.
Sendhwa (Madhya Pradesh): 1 arrest, Rs 5 lakh bond
In Sendhwa (Barwani district, MP), a youth identified as Irfan, son of Lukman Ali, was arrested for carrying a Palestinian flag in a religious rally.
According to City Police Station In-charge Baljeet Singh Bisen, Irfan was subjected to preventive action and made to sign a Rs 5 lakh bond, committing not to repeat such acts.
“CCTV and social media monitoring is being intensified to track such provocative displays,” officials added.
Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh): Palestinian & Islamic flags in rally
In Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Palestinian flags were displayed alongside banners resembling those of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Islamic movements during a Milad-un-Nabi procession on September 5.
The rally began at Jagannathapuram and concluded at Bhanugudi Circle, drawing hundreds of participants. Eyewitnesses reported flags featuring the crescent-and-star, Medina’s green dome, and the Shahada.
Locals condemned the act as a “dangerous affront to national unity”, with some calling it a calculated attempt to politicise religious events.
Kerala (Kannur): 700 join GIO’s pro-Palestine rally on temple land
In Kannur, Kerala, nearly 700 participants, led by the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO), carried Palestinian flags in a pro-Palestine rally on Madayipara Dewaswom land on Onam Day (September 5).
Police registered a suo-motu FIR under multiple BNS sections, including: 189(2): Unlawful assembly, 191(2): Rioting, 192 r/w 190: Liability of unlawful assembly members.
The BJP slammed the Pinarayi Vijayan government, accusing it of turning a blind eye to provocative acts while the protestors shouted, “Free Palestine,” “Israel is a terrorist state,” and “Down with Israel.”
Pattern of rising incidents
The use of Palestinian and Pakistani flags in Indian religious events has become a recurring trend:
Karnataka (2024): Palestinian flags in Chitradurga, Davanagere, and Kolar processions.
Kochi, Kerala (June 2025): The Pakistani flag during a prayer meeting led to FIR.
Agra, UP (July 2025): One arrested for waving a Palestinian flag during Muharram.
Notably, such acts import foreign conflicts into Indian society, threatening peace and unity. These incidents highlight an alarming pattern of groups attempting to project foreign ideological loyalty during Indian religious processions.
“Religious gatherings must remain free of geopolitical agendas. Waving Palestinian flags here is both unlawful and divisive,” a senior police officer said.
The government has assured strict penal action against violators, stressing that India’s unity and sovereignty cannot be compromised.
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