Owaisi accuses Modi govt of selective policing over pro-Iran advisory
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AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday accused the Union government of adopting “double standards” over its recent advisory directing states to monitor “pro-Iran radical preachers” following the Israel-US attack on Iran. He questioned why similar urgency had not been shown in addressing rising hate speech against Muslims.
“This advisory exposes the Modi government’s double standards,” Owaisi said, alleging that the Centre was selectively invoking concerns over public order. “There is a baba who has repeatedly violated his bail conditions and openly incited genocide against Muslims. The Central government itself funded a conference that called for the overthrow of India’s Constitution,” he added, asking why no comparable action had been taken in those cases.
Referring to an increase in hate speech, Owaisi said, “The number of anti-Indian Muslim hate speeches specifically referencing Israel’s Gaza genocide has increased since 2023. Yet no advisory has ever been issued to counter anti-Muslim hate speech. In such cases, the Centre says ‘law and order is a state subject.’”
His remarks followed a communication from the Union Home Ministry to states and Union Territories, asking them to keep watch on “pro-Iran radical preachers giving inflammatory statements” that could potentially trigger violence.
According to PTI, the Ministry also directed authorities to monitor “social media activities of extremists and global terror group handles” and to heighten vigilance in view of possible domestic ripple effects of global developments.
The advisory instructed states to strengthen security at US and Israeli embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic establishments.
The Ministry warned that potential targets of Shiite militia groups and global terror organisations such as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda could include US and Israeli embassies and consulates in India, their staff and delegations, business establishments, resorts, and tourist sites frequented by Western nationals. It also cited synagogues, Chabad Houses, kosher shops, and Jewish community centres as possible targets, adding that Iranian embassies, consulates, and cultural centres could similarly face threats.
The Ministry directed states to sensitise security personnel to the prevailing threat perception and to strengthen security arrangements, particularly in and around diplomatic missions and tourist locations visited by Israeli, American, and Iranian nationals. It recommended enhanced CCTV surveillance and thorough checks for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosive substances.
“It is also requested to take adequate measures, including security arrangements at the sites mentioned above and other vulnerable locations, to prevent any untoward incident and to maintain law and order, peace, and public tranquility,” the Ministry said. Authorities were further advised to monitor social media to curb the spread of misinformation and to take appropriate action where necessary.
The advisory comes amid protests by Shia mourners in several parts of India following reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike.
Demonstrations were reported in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Karnataka, and Delhi, among other places, with Shia groups taking to the streets to express grief and outrage.
Videos circulating online showed police in Jammu and Kashmir using force against women protesters who had gathered to mourn his death.
