# Following the protest in Lucknow, similar demonstrations have erupted in Jammu and Kashmir and Amethi (UP) too.
Lucknow: Police have booked 51 people for holding an ‘unauthorised’ candlelight march in the Jayas area against Israeli actions in Lebanon and showing support for Hezbollah commander Hassan Nasrallah, who was recently killed in an Israeli airstrike.
The protest, which took place late Tuesday evening, attended by Shia community members, included both men and women who carried placards and chanted slogans in support of Hezbollah. The march reportedly caused traffic disruptions in the Saudana area.
Local law enforcement, led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Harendra Pratap, responded quickly after receiving reports of the gathering. Pratap confirmed that the event lacked the necessary permits, resulting in the arrest of the organizer, identified as Zeeshan. As a precaution, additional security forces have been deployed to the area.
“We are reviewing video evidence to identify all participants, and appropriate legal measures will be enforced,” said ASP Pratap. The investigation is ongoing to ensure that all individuals involved are held accountable.
Following the Lucknow protest, demonstrations have also erupted in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in reaction to Nasrallah’s death.
These protests have garnered attention from Central Intelligence agencies. A senior official noted that the demonstrations appear to be “organic,” driven by local Shia groups without external influence. Many participants are young individuals expressing anger over Nasrallah’s killing.
In light of the ongoing voting in the Union Territory, intelligence agencies have decided to prohibit any further protests. Areas like Kargil and Budgam, which have previously witnessed protests against Israel, are now under heightened security.
A senior intelligence official indicated that the protesters primarily consist of local Shia community members, many of whom travel to Iran and Iraq, especially during Muharram, and view Nasrallah as a significant figure. Community leaders have been urged to refrain from organizing additional protests during the voting period. Currently, there is no evidence of external support for these demonstrations.
Security forces remain vigilant as there are concerns that potential troublemakers might exploit the protests to incite disturbances. Nevertheless, adequate measures have been implemented to address any issues that may arise.
Central agencies are also monitoring the risk of radicalization among local Shia youth with possible ties to Hezbollah or groups in Iran. Authorities are scrutinizing social media for posts that could incite sectarian tensions.
The cyber police have issued a warning against sharing or engaging with posts that could disrupt communal harmony, stating that those who spread inflammatory content will face legal repercussions. They are urging the public to cooperate in maintaining peace in Kashmir.
After Lucknow and Kashmir, Shia Muslims have now taken out a protest march in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district over Israel’s ongoing aggression in Lebanon and recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel Army.
The administration became alert on hearing of the protest while police have detained many people for holding the procession without permission.
The protesters raised slogans, carrying posters of Nasrallah in the Jais town of the district on Tuesday evening. Many members of the Shia community joined the march with placards and raised slogans in Hezbollah’s support.
