A controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district after Islamophobic remarks by a police officer during a ‘Peace Committee meeting’ ahead of Eid drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users.
The remarks were made by Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Kuldeep Kumar during a Peace Committee meeting held in the Asmoli area of Sambhal district ahead of Alvida Jumma (the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan) and Eid celebrations with members of the Muslim community.
According to videos of the discussion circulating online, Kumar said that some people appeared “overly concerned” about the war in West Asia and warned that any attempt to raise slogans, organise protests, or display posters related to the US-Israel-Iran conflict could invite police action if it affected local law and order.
A video of the meeting later surfaced on social media and quickly spread online.
In the viral video, Kumar says that international conflicts should not disrupt local peace.
“If some people here are very concerned about the Iran–Israel war and are beating their chests about it, then they should get on a plane and go to Iran,” he said, adding that such matters are for governments to handle rather than local citizens.
He further warned people that raising slogans supporting either side of the war, displaying posters or banners related to the issue, and creating disturbances during Eid prayers would result in strict legal action.
Kumar also cautioned that if worshippers offered prayers on roads due to a lack of space in mosques, police would register cases and take legal action.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
