Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 2: Acting on fresh intelligence inputs, the Union government has alerted states and Union Territories to closely monitor radical preachers perceived to be sympathetic to Iran, amid fears that the volatile situation in West Asia could be exploited to trigger unrest within India.
The advisory follows recent strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran that reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Intelligence agencies have cautioned that while not all disruptive elements may necessarily be ideologically aligned with Iran, some groups could attempt to use the developments as a pretext to inflame communal passions and incite violence.
According to officials, prayer gatherings have been organised in several places in response to Khamenei’s death. While these events have so far remained peaceful, security agencies are maintaining close surveillance amid concerns that individuals with alleged links to Pakistan’s ISI could infiltrate such gatherings and provoke disturbances.
The advisory, issued on February 28, warns that unfolding events in Iran and the broader West Asia region may have domestic repercussions. States have been urged to stay vigilant against inflammatory speeches or sermons that could fuel communal discord.
Heightened caution has particularly been advised for poll-bound states such as West Bengal and Assam, where officials fear attempts by internal and external actors to destabilise the situation ahead of elections. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed state authorities to identify and monitor individuals delivering provocative addresses that could disturb public order.
Central intelligence agencies are working in coordination with their state counterparts to prevent any untoward incidents. Authorities are also assessing the broader geopolitical implications of the West Asia crisis while intensifying domestic vigilance. Officials indicated that known radical elements are under watch, with their communications being monitored to pre-empt any coordinated attempts at unrest.
There are also concerns about possible foreign interference, with officials suggesting that actors in Pakistan may attempt to activate networks within India to foment instability.
Amid the escalating tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the regional developments and called for restraint. He held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the evolving situation and stressed the need for an early cessation of hostilities, underscoring that civilian safety must remain paramount.
The Prime Minister also convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the unfolding crisis, including the February 28 airstrikes on Iran. The panel assessed potential impacts on Indian nationals, particularly travellers transiting through the region, and directed relevant departments to extend necessary assistance to those affected.
Officials described the current phase as highly sensitive, warning that any attempt to exploit international developments to fracture communal harmony would be dealt with firmly.