Identify ‘pro-Iran radical preachers’: MHA warns states of possible unrest after Israel-US strikes

“We have asked states to identify individuals or groups that might exploit the international situation to disturb local peace. This is a standard preventive measure,” a senior official said on condition of anonymity.

Several state police forces, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, have since held review meetings with intelligence and local law enforcement units to assess potential flashpoints.

Meanwhile, following the confirmation of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in the US-Israel airstrikes, several states in India witnessed protests. In Punjab’s Ludhiana, a large number of people gathered outside the Jama Masjid Sunday to register their protest against the Israeli government. The protesters burned the effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jammu and Kashmir also saw similar protests As news about Khamenei’s killing spread Sunday morning, thousands of people moved towards and assembled at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. Mourners raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, and engaged in marsiya, a poetic lament, mourning Khamenei’s death.

Lucknow was another city that saw protests. Hundreds of people from the Shia community condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Carrying photographs of Khamenei, men, women and children dressed in black gathered at prominent points including Akbari Gate, Nakhas, Hussainabad and surrounding localities, raising slogans against Israel and the US.