Threatening Banners, Palestinian Flags, Controversial Chants: Communal Tensions Mark Start Of Muharram

Police in Amethi district are investigating an incident where members of the Muslim community allegedly chanted communally offensive slogans during a Muharram procession.

A widely circulated video on social media shows participants seemingly chanting, “Hindustan mein rehna hai to Ya Hussain kehna hai” (if you want to live in Hindustan, you have to chant Ya Hussain).

This incident reportedly occurred outside the Musafirkhana police station in Amethi.

Background on Muharram

Muharram marks the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the month started on 7 July.

The tenth day, known as Ashura, which falls on 17 July this year, commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

The day is particularly significant for Shia Muslims, who mourn through large processions that often include self-flagellation and chest-beating.

Muharram processions typically take place from the beginning of Muharram until Ashura.

Satara, Maharashtra — At the start of Muharram, banners appeared in Satara with provocative messages.

The posters stated (translated from Hindi), “Don’t be afraid, Muslims. The honour of the Almighty remains, Islam is still alive, and the Quran endures. What do these tyrants think of themselves for clashing with us daily? The final battle of Karbala is yet to come.”

Hindu groups and rights organisations quickly raised concerns on social media, interpreting the text as a covert threat. The police removed the posters within a day, but no further action has been reported.

Darbhanga, Bihar — A video showing a young man waving a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession in Kilaghat locality went viral. The police, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jagunath Reddy, have launched a probe into the incident.

Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh — In a similar case, a video captured a man waving a Palestinian flag on a highway on the first day of Muharram.

Police arrested the individual, identified as Sahil alias Badmash, along with an accomplice, Mohammed Gorakh, for conducting an unauthorised procession on a National Highway.

The case was filed at the Aurai police station under Section 197 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The section relates to imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration.