The arrest comes amid peaceful support for Palestine by Muslims as demonstrations by Hindu groups backing Israel go unchecked
NEW DELHI/LAKHIMPUR KHERI – A Palestinian flag was hoisted at the Upper Primary School of Lakhha village in Phoolbehad Kotwali area in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhmipur Kheri District, triggering a police investigation and widespread discussion on double standards in India’s response to pro-Palestinian expressions.
According to police reports, the national flag was removed from the school building and replaced with a Palestinian flag, believed to have been raised in solidarity with Gaza. Local resident Sanjay Trivedi lodged a written complaint, naming Saddam, Baura, and four others as responsible.
Superintendent of Police Sankalp Sharma confirmed, “The main accused Saddam has been arrested, and the search for the remaining suspects continues. This is being treated as a serious crime because it involves tampering with the national flag.”
While authorities pursue legal action against those supporting Palestine, a sharp contrast has emerged in India’s handling of pro-Israel demonstrations. Hindutva-affiliated groups have openly waved Israeli flags, burned Palestinian flags, and held rallies without facing consequences. On April 19, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) burned Palestinian flags during Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union elections, raising slogans in favour of Israel, yet no administrative action followed. Similarly, a rally in Delhi’s Nehru Place area on July 19 went unchecked.
This perceived double standard has raised questions among legal experts and civil society members. Advocate Farhan Qureshi stated, “Flying the Palestinian flag is not a crime under Indian law. The Flag Code of India allows foreign flags to be displayed as long as the national flag is not denigrated. Arresting peaceful protesters sends a worrying signal to democratic freedoms.”
Thousands of Indian Muslims continue to voice support for Palestine despite threats of arrest and harassment. Recent rallies at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi saw a roaring display of solidarity, with participants condemning Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. Reports indicate that over 63,000 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed over the past two years, raising global concerns over the humanitarian crisis.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra commented on the matter, saying, “Indian citizens expressing solidarity with Palestine are being criminalised. It is essential to uphold democratic rights and allow peaceful demonstrations without fear of reprisal.”
Historically, India has maintained strong support for the Palestinian cause. India was the first non-Arab nation to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation in 1974 and formally recognised the state of Palestine in 1988. Traditionally, India advocated a negotiated two-state solution at the United Nations. However, recent policies and diplomatic ties with Israel appear to have influenced selective enforcement against pro-Palestinian expressions.
Local Muslim communities in Lakhha village have expressed fear and concern over the police crackdown. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We raised the Palestinian flag to show solidarity with people suffering in Gaza. Now, even our peaceful gestures are treated as criminal acts. It feels unfair and discriminatory.”
The administration has indicated that strict action will continue against those accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri case. Yet, the broader debate on freedom of expression and religious solidarity continues to intensify. Experts warn that uneven treatment of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations risks undermining India’s democratic principles and fuels social division.
As the investigation unfolds, the arrest of Saddam and the ongoing search for other accused individuals has sparked nationwide discussion on the rights of Indian Muslims to peacefully express support for humanitarian causes abroad, while highlighting the challenges posed by political and social biases in law enforcement.
