Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Mar 12: A fresh controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after a police officer allegedly told people supporting Iran in the ongoing global tensions that they should “buy a plane ticket and go there to fight,” instead of disturbing law and order in India.

The remark was made by Sambhal Circle Officer Kuldeep Kumar during a peace committee meeting held with Muslim community leaders ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr and the special Friday prayers.

Addressing the gathering, Kumar warned that anyone raising slogans during ‘namaz’ either in support of or against any country involved in the conflict — including Iran, Israel or the United States — would face strict police action.

“Those who are more disturbed by the war between Iran, Israel and America should book a plane ticket and go to Iran to fight from their side. But if anyone tries to disturb the law and order situation in our country in the name of a conflict between two nations, the police will deal with them strictly,” he said.

The officer also cautioned that wearing black badges as a mark of protest would be treated as a violation of law. He further said that prayers would be allowed only inside mosques and not on roads.

“We will book anyone found offering namaz on the road and send him to jail,” he added.

A video of the officer making the remarks has gone viral on social media, drawing criticism and debate.

The controversy comes shortly after another Uttar Pradesh police officer, Anuj Kumar, had triggered outrage last year by saying that Muslims who felt that colours affected their religious beliefs should remain indoors during Holi.

Authorities have not yet issued an official response regarding the latest remarks.