New Delhi: The Union government has placed all states and union territories on high alert following intelligence warnings that radical elements may exploit the ongoing crisis in Iran to incite communal violence in India.
The advisory follows the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during joint Israel-U.S. strikes. Intelligence agencies fear that fringe elements could use this geopolitical instability to disturb India’s internal peace.
Key Security Directives
- Monitoring Preachers: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states to identify and monitor radical preachers delivering inflammatory sermons.
- Protecting Prayer Meetings: While mourning assemblies for the Ayatollah have remained peaceful so far, officials fear ISI-backed elements may infiltrate these gatherings to trigger unrest.
- Election Vigilance: Authorities have urged West Bengal and Assam to exercise “utmost caution” as both states prepare for upcoming polls.
- Cyber Surveillance: Intelligence units are currently monitoring the conversations of “usual suspects” to prevent foreign-funded interference from Pakistan.
PM Modi Urges Restraint and Reviews National Security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the escalating hostilities in West Asia. In a high-level briefing, the PM emphasized two critical priorities: civilian safety and national stability.
Recent Actions by the Prime Minister:
- Chaired the CCS: The PM led a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the airstrikes on Iran and their ripple effects on India.
- Diplomatic Outreach: PM Modi spoke with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for an early cessation of hostilities and regional de-escalation.
- Citizen Assistance: The PM directed all departments to assist Indian travelers currently stranded or facing difficulties transiting through the Gulf.
Internal Stability: The Ripple Effect
Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials clarify that the threat does not only come from pro-Iran groups. Instead, various radical elements seek to seize this moment to divide India’s social fabric through inflammatory speeches and communal provocation.
“This is a sensitive time,” one official stated. “External players, particularly in Pakistan, will likely attempt to activate radical cells to incite violence within our borders.”
