Kashmiri Shia Muslims stage a protest outside the United Nations office in Sonwar following the Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s killing in a US-Israel strike, in Srinagar on March 1, 2026
| Photo Credit: ANI
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cautioned States against “possible violence” and “sporadic protests” in India in the wake of a joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran, a senior government official told The Hindu.
Thousands of people took to the streets across the country to protest the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in military strikes by the U.S.-Israel alliance on February 28.
Iran-Israel conflict updates on March 1, 2026
Demonstrations were held in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Karnataka, and Delhi, among others, by Shia groups.
‘Watch protests by Iran’s foes and friends’
In a communication sent to Chief Secretaries and Director(s) General of Police on February 28, the MHA asked States to keep a watch on protests and demonstrations by “affiliates of both pro- and anti-Iranian regime” at the embassies and consulate offices of Iran, the U.S., and Israel, the official said.
It also asked States to identify “pro-Iran radical preachers giving inflammatory sermons and provoking violent actions.”
The States have been asked to monitor the social media activities of “pro-Iran extremists and the global terrorist groups (GTG) handles”, and enhance the watch on “pro-Iran student organisations and socio-political organisations.”
Likely targets
According to the MHA, the likely targets of the Shiite militia groups, as well as the global terror groups such as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda, may include the U.S. and Israeli embassies and consulates in India and their staff, delegations, business persons, resorts, business establishments, tourist sites frequented by westerners, synagogues, Chhabad Houses, kosher shops, and Jewish community centres, among others. It added that “similarly, there could be targeting of Embassy/Consulates/cultural centres of Iran”.
The MHA asked States to sensitise security personnel regarding the threat perception, and need to augment security arrangements, particularly in and around the embassies and consulates, and also tourist locations frequented by Israeli, American, and Iranian visitors. It suggested CCTV coverage and checking of locations for the presence of Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) and explosive substances.
“It is also requested to take adequate measures, including security arrangements at the sites mentioned above and other vulnerable locations to prevent any untoward incident and to maintain law and order, peace, and public tranquility. A watch may also be kept on social media to curb the spread of misinformation and requisite action may be taken in this regard,” the MHA said.
Published – March 01, 2026 09:45 pm IST
