AhlulBayt News Agency: The Secretary-General of the Indian Ulema Council has strongly condemned recent attacks targeting Shia religious sites in India, describing the incidents as suspicious, coordinated, and potentially driven by foreign-backed elements seeking to destabilize communal harmony.
Hojatoleslam Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi made the remarks following reports of desecration at a Husayniyya during a police operation in Bhopal, as well as an arson attack on a shrine attributed to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
“Unprecedented Targeting of Shias”
Naqvi emphasized that while India has historically witnessed sporadic sectarian tensions—primarily between Hindu and Muslim communities—there has been no precedent for what he described as “systematic and organized targeting” of the Shia minority.
“What we are witnessing today in certain regions represents a dangerous shift,” he said, warning that failure to address the issue decisively could embolden extremist elements and threaten India’s longstanding tradition of pluralism.
He specifically urged state authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to take immediate and firm action to prevent further escalation.
Call for National-Level Investigation
The senior cleric called on the central government of India to launch a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incidents. He demanded the formation of a high-level inquiry committee and the prosecution of both perpetrators and those allegedly orchestrating the attacks.
According to Naqvi, indifference or delayed action could inflame religious sentiments and undermine social cohesion in the country.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
In a striking development, Naqvi raised the possibility of foreign involvement, suggesting that “elements affiliated with Israel” may be attempting to incite sectarian discord in India.
He argued that Shia communities’ vocal positions against US and Israeli policies on international issues may have made them targets of covert destabilization efforts. He maintained that the pattern of incidents points toward coordinated external influence aimed at disrupting religious coexistence.
Preserving Communal Harmony
Concluding his remarks, Naqvi stressed the need for swift, transparent legal action to safeguard communal harmony and prevent further provocation.
“India’s strength lies in its religious diversity and coexistence,” he stated. “Any attempt to fracture this unity must be exposed and confronted through lawful and decisive measures.”
The incidents have sparked concern among Shia organizations and civil society groups, who warn that failure to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attacks could deepen mistrust and heighten sectarian tensions.
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