In Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa, tensions rise as Hindutva groups accuse Muslims of anti-national slogans during Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession, while Muslims question silence on hate speeches
KHANDWA — A controversy has erupted in the Madhya Pradesh city of Khandwa after members of the Hindu Jagran Manch accused participants of an Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession of raising ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ slogans and insulting the saffron flag. Allegations have also been levelled about the playing of ‘Pakistan-supporting’ songs.
Hindu groups gathered outside Khandwa Kotwali police station demanding action against the city’s Qazi, submitting audio and video clips as evidence to the administration.
The local police chief has ordered an inquiry, but the matter has ignited wider debate across the state. While Hindutva groups insist their religious sentiments have been hurt, Muslim voices argue that the law is applied selectively — swift action against Muslims but silence when Hindus openly chant hate slogans targeting minorities.
On Friday night, large numbers of Hindu Jagran Manch activists staged a demonstration outside the police station. “We will not tolerate anti-national slogans or disrespect to our religious symbols. Action must be taken against those responsible, including the Qazi who oversees such events,” said one activist addressing the crowd.
According to the group, objectionable songs banned in India were played in the procession and a saffron flag inscribed with ‘Islam Zindabad’ was waved. They submitted video clips to support their claim.
However, Muslim leaders and community members maintain that they are being unfairly targeted. In the days leading up to Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, several ulema had issued guidelines urging processions to be conducted peacefully, without political or provocative slogans, or the display of foreign flags.
“This is being twisted to malign Muslims. Our scholars clearly instructed us to avoid anything that could cause tension. Still, Hindutva groups keep blaming us even when we try to maintain peace,” said a local Muslim elder who did not wish to be named.
Others pointed to a deeper problem of bias in law enforcement. “When Muslims are accused, FIRs are filed quickly. But when Hindus shout slogans like ‘Goli maro saalon ko’ (shoot the traitors) or ‘Bharat mein rehna hai toh Jai Shri Ram kehna hoga’ (if you want to stay in India, you must say Jai Shri Ram), police remain silent,” said Irfan Khan, a student leader in Khandwa.
Muslims also recalled recent incidents where processions from the majority community entered Muslim neighbourhoods, raising inflammatory chants. “Our homes and mosques were targeted with provocative slogans, but authorities looked the other way. If justice is to mean anything, the law should apply equally,” said Mohammad Rashid, a shopkeeper.
Community members stress that the issue goes beyond one slogan or one procession. “The atmosphere has been poisoned. Minorities are made to feel they must constantly prove their loyalty, while hate against Muslims is normalised,” said social activist Shabana Ansari.
The district police confirmed receipt of complaints and promised action after investigation. “We are looking into the evidence provided by both sides. Appropriate legal steps will be taken once the inquiry is complete,” said Superintendent of Police, Khandwa.
But for Muslims in Khandwa, confidence in fair treatment remains low. “We don’t support provocative slogans. But the bigger question is: why does the system wake up only when Muslims are accused, and stay silent when Hindus openly call for violence against us?” asked Rashid Ali, a teacher.
The incident has once again highlighted the anxieties of Muslims across India. Many say they are being pushed into a corner where even their peaceful religious gatherings are branded as anti-national.
“This is about equal rights. If ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ is objectionable—and it is—then so is ‘Say Jai Shri Ram or leave India’. Both spread hate. Punish all hate, not just Muslim voices,” said activist Javed Akhtar.
As investigations continue, the episode raises larger questions about justice, equality, and whether Indian Muslims can celebrate their faith without suspicion or intimidation.
