Despite India’s declared supportive stand with Palestine in the ongoing war by Israel, expressing it could be a criminal act on which an FIR is to be filed by the police, as seen in Karnataka’s Shivamogga, where a banner reading ‘We stand with Palestine’ led to an FIR being filed.
BJP leader Araga Jnanendra fuelled fear among people by linking the erection of the banner to terrorism, giving it a communal colour with divisive intention, but the Karnataka police filed an FIR against the banner, not against the BJP for fuelling fear and communalising the issue.
The banner, which appeared two to three days ago during an Eid procession, became a topic of political and social discussion, with Jnanendra alleging it was a threat to communal harmony. However, neither he nor the police could explain how it posed a threat to communal harmony for expressing support for a victim country in Israel’s war."
In a letter, he described the banner as divisive, citing its potential to disrupt unity and peace in the area, and reportedly linking it to terrorism and instilling fear among the people.
In response to his request, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unknown individuals responsible for the banner. Although the suspects have not been apprehended, local authorities acted to remove the banner on the same day it was discovered.
The police have stated that an investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to maintain peace and order within the district.