Flags of Hindutva and Israel Hoisted on Mosque in Bihar, Sparking Outrage

Cheered by a crowd waving both saffron and Israeli flags, the provocative act was intensified by the high-volume DJ playing derogatory songs directed at the Muslim community.

In a recent incident that has sparked communal tensions, a Hindutva worker in Bhagalpur, Bihar, hoisted a saffron flag alongside an Israeli flag on the dome of a mosque during a religious procession. The act, accompanied by blaring abusive songs targeting Muslims, has triggered widespread condemnation from the Muslim community and civil society across India.

The incident took place in the Tamtam Chowk area, where Shivam Kumar, the accused, was seen scaling the mosque’s dome. Cheered by a crowd waving both saffron and Israeli flags, the provocative act was intensified by the high-volume DJ playing derogatory songs directed at the Muslim community. The incident has since gone viral on social media, igniting calls for action and government accountability over the overt provocation.

Bhagalpur, a city still scarred by memories of communal riots in 1989, which claimed over a thousand lives, mostly Muslims, now faces fears of renewed violence. The inclusion of the Israeli flag alongside the saffron one has also raised questions about the motivations of the incident and its potential international implications.

Political leaders quickly condemned the incident, with former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav accusing Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of allowing communal forces to flourish under the influence of the RSS and BJP. “With encouragement from CM Nitish Kumar, RSS and BJP supporters are climbing mosques and hoisting flags in Bhagalpur,” Yadav tweeted, suggesting the CM’s leadership has become increasingly dangerous amid health issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the incident drew criticism as well, especially in light of his recent condemnation of attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. Social media users highlighted this, with one user, Tarun Gautam, questioning why the Prime Minister hasn’t condemned the communal provocation occurring in Bihar itself.