MHA advisory asks States/UTs to remain vigilant against possible unrest after US–Israel strikes on Iran

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
NEW DELHI, MARCH 02 (STC):
All states and Union Territories have been warned of possible violence and sporadic protests in the wake of recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Home Ministry officials said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a nationwide security alert to against the backdrop of protests by members of the Shia community across several parts of the country following the assassination of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.
“The rapidly evolving international developments have the potential to impact India’s internal security situation, the advisory said.
Security agencies have been directed to remain on high alert and closely monitor the activities of both pro-Iran and anti-Iran groups. Besides, all States have been instructed to strengthen security arrangements around Iranian, American and Israeli embassies and consulates, as well as other diplomatic establishments.
The MHA advisory has flagged potential threats from Shia militias and terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
Quoting intelligence inputs, the advisory said that extremist groups may seek to exploit the prevailing tensions to foment unrest or carry out disruptive activities.
Notably, the alert states major tourist destinations, Jewish institutions and establishments linked to Western countries could be potential targets, apart from diplomatic missions.
In this bacdtop, states have been advised to step up the deployment of security personnel at critical and sensitive locations. While’s
Local police units have been asked to intensify checks in crowded areas and vulnerable sites and to conduct regular inspection drives to detect explosives, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The advisory has also placed special emphasis on monitoring social media platforms to curb the spread of inflammatory messages, misinformation and rumours that could disturb communal harmony.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from Agencies)