Karwar (Karnataka), Aug 26 — A Palestine flag was briefly waved during an Eid Milad procession in Ankola town of Karwar district in Karnataka on Wednesday, prompting police to intervene and take the flag into custody.
The incident occurred when a youth participating in the procession suddenly took out the Palestine flag and began displaying and waving it. Police immediately noticed the incident, approached the youth and questioned him about the flag.
The youth reportedly argued with the police, following which the police took the flag into custody. Elders participating in the procession intervened and advised the youth not to argue with the police and asked him to continue with the procession. The procession was subsequently allowed to proceed.
Police have not registered a case in connection with the incident so far. Officials said they would examine the youth's background and assess whether there was any attempt or conspiracy to create communal tension. If any such involvement is established, appropriate legal action will be taken, they said.
Police have also stepped up security arrangements across Karwar district in view of Eid Milad celebrations.
Meanwhile, in a separate development in Chikkamagaluru, a "I Love Mohammad" banner was put up in Tippunagar during Eid Milad celebrations. The banner was placed near a large cut-out of Tipu Sultan, drawing objections from some local residents.
The "I Love Mohammad" campaign had earlier triggered controversy at the national level, with cases being registered in connection with the display of such banners in some places. On Wednesday, posters bearing the slogan were seen along streets through which the Eid procession passed.
The latest incident also comes against the backdrop of an earlier controversy in Chikkamagaluru involving a large Tipu Sultan cut-out and the alleged playing of a Pakistan-related song. A video of the incident was circulated on social media, triggering controversy, following which two people were arrested.
Chikkamagaluru police have since removed the "I Love Mohammad" banners put up in the area and are maintaining heightened vigil in view of the Eid Milad celebrations.
Barring two incidents, Eid Milad processions have remained largely peaceful across the state, with no other untoward incidents reported.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has conveyed wishes of Eid Mubarak to people of the state. "Warm greetings on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi. May this occasion bring peace, happiness, harmony and prosperity," he stated.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stated, "Heartfelt Eid Milad-un-Nabi greetings to all Muslim brothers and sisters of the state. I extend my best wishes that the sacred Eid Milad, a symbol of harmony, brings happiness, peace, prosperity, and contentment to everyone."