The Uttar Pradesh police have filed a case against 11 named individuals and nearly 40 unidentified Muslims in Amethi district for participating in a protest march in response to the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. The protest, which took place on October 1, Tuesday, was organised to express outrage and mourn the killing of Nasrallah, a prominent figure in the Shia Muslim community.
The protestors, who gathered in the Jais area of Amethi, were holding images of Nasrallah and chanting slogans against Israel. They expressed their solidarity with the Lebanese group, Hezbollah, and voiced their opposition to Israel’s actions against Palestine and Lebanon. The police intervened and detained eight protestors, releasing them on bail later the same day.
Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination on September 27 in Lebanese capital Beirut has caused widespread discontent among Muslims, particularly within the Shia community. Nasrallah, a strong supporter of Palestinian resistance, had long been a central figure in the fight against Israeli forces and terrorist organisations such as ISIS.
His assassination has led to protests across various regions, including several gatherings in Lucknow, the state capital.
FIR registered after candle march
In Amethi, a candle march was held under the jurisdiction of the Jais police circle. Protesters carried pictures of Nasrallah and marched near Jama Masjid, where the procession was stopped by police. Officers recorded videos of the demonstration, stating that it was unauthorised and therefore illegal.
The police claimed that the protestors had not obtained prior permission, which is a violation under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS). The law prohibits the assembly of five or more persons without official authorisation.
Following the protest, the police registered a case against 11 named individuals and approximately 40 unidentified participants under multiple charges, including Section 189(2) (unlawful assembly) and Section 223(a) (disobedience of a duly promulgated order by a public servant).
According to police reports, officers conducted raids on Wednesday (October 2) morning and arrested eight accused individuals from their homes. They were subsequently presented before the magistrate and granted bail.
When asked about the ongoing investigation, Ravi Kumar Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Jais, confirmed that the police are reviewing video footage to identify more participants.
“We have arrested eight individuals, and further arrests will be made based on the evidence,” Singh stated. He also reaffirmed that the police are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further unrest.
The All India Shia Personal Law Board has strongly condemned the police action against the protestors. General Secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas criticised the police for targeting individuals expressing their grief and solidarity over Nasrallah’s assassination. He demanded that the government withdraw all cases against the protestors immediately.
“Nasrallah was a pivotal figure in the fight against terrorist groups like ISIL. He defended the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Zainab during the ISIS attacks in Syria and was a symbol of resistance against oppression,” Maulana Abbas said.
Maulana Abbas further argued that Nasrallah’s assassination was a significant loss for the global Muslim community.
“He was a staunch supporter of oppressed people, especially the Palestinians, in their ongoing struggle against Israeli forces,” Abbas remarked.
He called on the United Nations to take action against Israel and hold them accountable for Nasrallah’s killing, labeling it an “irreparable loss” for the Muslim world.
Protests over Nasrallah’s death have not been limited to Amethi. Thousands of people across the country, including in Kashmir, Delhi, Mumbai and other cities have taken to the streets in solidarity with the slain Hezbollah leader.
Protests in Lucknow
In Lucknow, Shia Muslims organised a massive protest march from the historic Chhota Imambara to Aasifi Imambara (Hussainabad locality) between September 28 and October 1. The Haidery Task Force (HTF), a Shia youth organisation, has also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to raise the issue of Nasrallah’s assassination at the United Nations.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful Shia group in Lebanon, has drawn international attention and condemnation. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has been a major player in the region’s volatile political landscape, and Nasrallah was considered its most prominent figure.
The Majlis Ulema e Hind’s General Secretary, Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad, also expressed grief over Nasrallah’s death, calling it an irreparable loss.
“Israel has proven that it is the world’s largest terrorist organisation. This great martyrdom will not be in vain, and Israel will soon be destroyed. Nasrallah’s outstanding contributions and achievements will not be forgotten. He will always be alive in the hearts of people,” said Jawaad.
