Tension in the Nanpara town of Bahraich District as angry youth, demanding the officer’s removal, stage a protest after halting the Muharram procession
BAHRAICH – A tense situation unfolded in Nanpara town of Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday during a Muharram procession when a poster of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was allegedly torn by a local police officer.
The incident took place as Muslims carried out the traditional Tazia procession on the Ashura day to remember the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Devotees had displayed posters of Shia leaders, including Ali Khamenei and Ali Al-Sistani.
Eyewitnesses say trouble began when Rajbhar Chowki Incharge, Ram Govind Verma, allegedly stopped the procession after seeing a poster of Khamenei. It is alleged that the officer hit the poster with a stick and tore it, sparking anger among the youth leading the procession.
“He came and tore the poster of Ali Khamenei with a stick,” said a local youth who was helping lead the procession. “He did not even speak to us respectfully. Instead, we were called terrorists. Is this how you treat peaceful mourners?”
Other members of the community backed his claims and said that more posters were torn, and that they were insulted by the police.
“Ali Khamenei and Ali Al-Sistani are our leaders. We follow them with respect. Calling us terrorists just because of these posters is deeply hurtful,” said another young man from the Shia community.
Following the incident, the mourners stopped the Tazia procession and staged in protest. They demanded that the Chowki Incharge be removed from his post immediately.
As tension grew, senior police officials rushed to the scene to control the situation. After about an hour of discussion, the officials assured the protesters that the matter would be looked into.
“We have asked the people to remain calm. The matter is under investigation. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace,” said one senior police officer at the spot.
Only after receiving assurance from the administration did the procession continue, ending peacefully later in the evening.
This incident is part of a larger concern across Uttar Pradesh this year, where objections were raised in many places regarding the height of Tazias and the use of religious symbols. In Bahraich, the focus has now shifted to the alleged mistreatment of peaceful mourners and the tearing of religious posters.
Community leaders have said they will take the matter further if no action is taken.
“We want justice. This is not just about a poster, but about our identity and respect,” said one elder from the local Shia community.
The administration has promised a fair inquiry into the matter, while urging the public to keep harmony during the sacred days of Muharram.
