Police take action on graffiti, foreign flags in Srinagar
Srinagar, Jun 24: Police have taken swift action following two separate incidents involving the display of graffiti resembling foreign flags in Zadibal and Balhama areas of Srinagar.
The incidents, viewed by police as attempts to provoke communal tension and disrupt public peace, have resulted in the detention of some individuals, including counselling for minors found involved.
In the second on Tuesday morning, police removed graffiti painted outside the historic Imambara in Srinagar’s Zadibal locality. According to Srinagar Police, the graffiti had been painted on the road near the main entrance of the Imambara — a site of religious significance for the local Shia Muslim community.
Upon receiving information, a team from the Zadibal Police Station promptly reached the location and removed the graffiti to prevent any escalation of communal tensions.
Police said a preliminary inquiry into the matter identified three local teenagers, all students, as the individuals behind the graffiti. Citing their age and the sensitive nature of the act, the police summoned their parents to the station. They were counselled in the presence of their guardians, with authorities emphasizing the importance of communal harmony and responsible civic conduct.
“They were sensitised about the implications of such actions and advised on the importance of upholding peace and unity,” the police statement said. Legal proceedings are expected to follow in accordance with the juvenile justice framework.
In a separate but related development, Srinagar Police on late Monday evening announced the detention of two individuals linked to the installation of foreign flags at Balhama area of the city. The act is being investigated as a deliberate provocation intended to disturb public order and incite tensions.
Following credible intelligence and visual evidence, a police team launched a focused investigation using surveillance analysis and local ground verification. Authorities identified 6–7 suspects during the probe, eventually confirming the involvement of three individuals.
Two of the accused have been taken into custody, while efforts are on going to apprehend the third. “The act appears to be a calculated attempt to trigger public unrest and promote divisive narratives,” police said, adding that legal action under relevant provisions is being pursued.
Srinagar Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining communal harmony and public peace in the region. “We urge citizens to act responsibly and avoid actions that could disturb social order. Any attempt to exploit sentiments for disruptive purposes will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
These incidents come amid heightened sensitivities in the Valley and underscore the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in preserving peace in a complex socio-political environment.
