In states across India, such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir, police have filed cases against nearly two hundred Muslim youths. Approximately fifty youths have been arrested, so far, with many others detained and interrogated. Charges have been registered under various sections, including those related to disrupting communal harmony and undermining national unity and integrity. Meanwhile, Kashmiri youths have been affected by stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These youths all share a common “offense” — waving the Palestinian flag during Muharram processions.
A Hindu extremist leader has labelled Palestine supporters in India as “traitors” and said “those who waved the Palestinian flag during the Muharram procession should be hunted down and killed.” During his hate-filled statement, his supporters displayed the flag of Israel behind him. Simultaneously, Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, from the Hindu right-wing party, BJP, has politicised the issue in Jharkhand ahead of upcoming elections within three months.
As the Hijri calendar begins, Shia Muslims start their majlis and mournings, while Sunni Muslims also take out processions and showcase their art with staff and sticks.
India has historically supported Palestine, with the Palestinian cause being integral to its foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab state to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation and, in 1988, it was the first country globally to recognise the Palestinian State. Today, however, waving the Palestinian flag in India has been criminalised. Here, I have highlighted specific instances where individuals waved the Palestinian flag during Muharram processions in India and the ensuing police actions. These cases are only those that have been reported through social media or various websites.
This story was originally published in middleeastmonitor.com. Read the full story here.