With the Union Government advising states that protests and sporadic violence may occur in conjunction with the US-Israel military campaign against Iran (possibly resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei), India’s Security Forces are on heightened alert.
In recent days, demonstrators have taken to the streets in many parts of the country, from Jammu to Delhi. The emotions inspired by the long-distance war may be behind such protests.
Nationwide Protests Trigger Security Response
Protests are alleged in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Karnataka, as well as the National Capital Region. At various locations, some of these protests were caused by gatherings of Shi’a organisations responding to the killing of an Iranian cleric. The Ministry of Home Affairs has sent a communication to chief secretaries and heads of police asking them to be vigilant. Local law enforcement was instructed to monitor activities related to both supporters and detractors of the Iranian government who hold demonstrations near foreign missions.
Focus on Embassies and Public Spaces
Identified potential flashpoints by security agencies include the United States’ embassy and consulate, Israel’s embassy, and Iran’s embassy; cultural centres linked to these nations; as well as businesses/establishments associated with them.
Other identified threats also include Western tourism areas, areas with synagogues, Jewish community centres, and well-established tourist destinations, which may also be at higher risk than usual.
Officials have indicated that Iranian diplomatic sites may also be a concern, as they could be targeted for retribution.
The report also reflects the potential threat from global extremist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS) and Al Qaeda. This further demonstrates the serious nature of the assessment conducted by the authors of this report.
Monitoring Radicalisation and Online Activity
Authorities have requested that states investigate radical clerics making incendiary speeches and monitor the activity on social media of pro-Iranian extremists. Student groups and socio-political organisations are also coming under investigation by authorities who want to prevent mobilising forces from becoming violent in an increasingly volatile environment.
The ministries have reiterated the necessity of countering misinformation on the internet as they caution against the use of viral, unsubstantiated rumours, as they can cause an increase in the level of tension very quickly in an already emotionally charged environment.
Tightened Security Measures
Law enforcement agencies in big cities were instructed to enhance their security presence. This includes adding more officers to patrols, increasing the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV), and thoroughly searching for explosives in places deemed sensitive.
Tourist areas that are frequented by Israeli, American and Iranian tourists will be given special focus at this time. The officials have assured us that their intention is solely preventive in nature. Continued efforts will be made to protect public safety and reassure the public amidst the current volatility found globally.
A Conflict Felt at Home
Both politically and emotionally, the effects of violence in the Middle East are apparent in India, although they are far away from the Middle East battlegrounds themselves. The Indian government is clear that it will be vigilant, but it will not allow panic. Domestic security is the main priority for the government, and the government will now be able to determine whether they can successfully prevent increased tensions in the Middle East from spilling over to the streets of India.
