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India on High Alert as Iran Crisis Sparks Fears of Communal Unrest

Following intelligence warnings, the Union government has alerted all states to monitor attempts by radical elements to exploit the Iran crisis and incite communal violence. Special caution has been advised for poll-bound states like West Bengal and Assam, where inflammatory sermons could trigger unrest. The Home Ministry has directed states to identify and monitor pro-Iran preachers delivering such speeches. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and discussed regional stability with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

Key Points: India on Alert Over Iran Crisis Exploitation for Communal Violence

  • Intel warns of exploiting Iran crisis
  • States told to monitor radical preachers
  • Poll-bound Bengal, Assam need utmost caution
  • Fear of foreign interference from Pakistan
3 min read

Centre on high alert over attempts to exploit Iran crisis for communal unrest

Centre warns states after intel suggests radical elements may exploit Iran situation to incite communal unrest, especially in poll-bound states.

"radical elements would look to make inflammatory speeches with the intention of creating communal violence - Official"

New Delhi, March 2

Following an Intelligence warning, the Union government has advised states to keep a tab on radical pro-Iran preachers. The communication by the government comes in the wake of the Intelligence agencies signalling that some elements would look to take advantage of the ongoing Iran situation and incite violence across the country.

The advisory comes in the wake of the Israel-US strikes on Iran, which led to the death of the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the radical elements may not necessarily be pro-Iran, but they would look to take advantage of the situation and incite violence. India has voiced concern over the situation in Iran and West Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply concerned about the ongoing situation and urged restraint.

The Intelligence agencies have said that many prayer meetings are being held following the death of the Ayatollah. These meetings are being monitored closely, the official said. So far, the prayer meetings have passed off peacefully, the official added. However, the worry is that there are radical elements who are pro-ISI, and these persons would look to infiltrate such meetings and try to incite violence.

The Centre issued the communication to all the states and union territories on February 28. In the note, the government cautioned that the developments in Iran and West Asia could have ripple effects domestically.

The Central government has warned that radical elements would look to make inflammatory speeches with the intention of creating communal violence.

Another official said that states such as West Bengal and Assam, which go to polls this year, should exercise utmost caution. There are already warnings and advisories in place for these states as external and internal elements are looking to disturb peace ahead of the elections.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has told the states to monitor and identify pro-Iran radical preachers delivering inflammatory sermons. Such sermons could trigger communal tension and unrest, the MHA further said.

Another official said that the Central Intelligence agencies are working closely with their counterparts in state units to prevent such incidents from taking place.

The official added that the situation in West Asia is also being monitored for the geopolitical impact it will have. However, it is also important to monitor the situation from within, as attempts will be made to deliver sermons aimed at causing tensions and inciting violence.

This is a sensitive time, and the radical elements would take advantage of this to incite communal tensions and divide India's social fabric.

The agencies are keeping a close watch on the usual suspects and are monitoring their conversations.

There is a strong possibility of foreign interference, and players in Pakistan would try to activate their radical elements to incite violence in India, the official also added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed the regional situation.

PM Modi also called for an early cessation of hostilities.

The PM also emphasised that the safety of civilians must remain a priority. PM Modi also chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to review the evolving situation in West Asia. The CCS was briefed on the airstrikes on Iran that took place on February 28.

The CCS also reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region. The PM directed all departments concerned to take necessary measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a very sensitive situation. While we should respect the right to peaceful prayer meetings, no one should be allowed to use them for spreading hate. Hope the police in Bengal and Assam are extra careful.
A
Aman W
The mention of Pakistan's ISI trying to activate radicals is the real concern. We cannot let our internal peace be held hostage by foreign actors exploiting global events. Strong intelligence coordination is key.
S
Sarah B
While vigilance is necessary, I hope the monitoring is done with a sense of proportion and doesn't lead to profiling of any community. The focus should strictly be on those making inflammatory speeches, as the article says.
V
Vikram M
PM Modi's call for restraint and priority on civilian safety is the correct diplomatic stance. India's primary concern should be the safety of Indians in the region and peace at home. We don't need another country's conflict spilling onto our streets.
K
Karthik V
This is a classic strategy by anti-India elements. Create chaos when the world is looking elsewhere. Kudos to our agencies for the early warning. The common citizen must also be responsible and not fall for provocative messages on social media.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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