New Delhi: A 20-year-old shopkeeper was arrested for allegedly waving the Palestinian flag at a Muharram procession in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi on Tuesday (July 9).
Two men were seen carrying the flag during the procession, held after the sighting of the Muharram moon, in a video of the procession that went viral on social media, the Indian Express reported.
The police then registered a case against the UP residents, identified as Sahil alias Badshah and Mohammad Gorakh, at the Aurai police station under Section 197 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which relates to imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration, the report said.
“We have arrested Sahil alias Badshah, who runs a salon, in the case. The video of the procession is being examined further,” SHO Sachidanand Pandey told the paper.
The police said that a procession was taken out in Madho Singh Bazaar on Sunday night where some individuals reportedly carried the Palestinian flag and raised slogans. A video of the procession was widely shared on social media the following day, prompting police inquiry. Preliminary investigations revealed that the procession was taken out without permission from the police or other relevant authorities.
The police identified Badshah and Gorakh carrying Palestinian flags while riding a motorcycle in the procession, the paper reported.
According to the police, the incident could create feelings of hatred and animosity among the public and that is why a case was filed.
India’s stance on Palestine
It may be noted that India has historically taken a pro-Palestine stance and was among the first nations to recognise Palestine as an independent state. As recently as this year, former minister of state in the external affairs ministry, V. Muraleedharan, reiterated India’s stance while answering a question in the parliament.
“India’s policy towards Palestine has been long standing and consistent. We have supported a negotiated two State solution, towards establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel.
India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on 07 October 2023 and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasised peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We have also called for [the] release of remaining hostages. Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have spoken to several leaders, including President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Israel and the President and Foreign Minister of Palestine. [The] External Affairs Minister met the Foreign Minister of Palestine on 20 January 2024 in Kampala and reiterated India’s support for a two State solution. We also reiterated our position in multilateral fora such as the UN, G20, BRICS and Voice of Global South Summit,” he said on February 2, 2024.
