In the aftermath of the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—which claimed 26 innocent Hindu lives, citizens and Hindu activists across the country held demonstrations to denounce Pakistan and terrorism. However, protests in several regions, including Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Odisha, took an unexpected turn as participants faced backlash, detentions, and accusations of hurting religious sentiments.
Protests in Karnataka Lead to Arrests
On 25 April, Hindu groups in Karnataka staged symbolic protests in response to the brutal Pahalgam attack by placing stickers of the Pakistani flag on roads in areas such as Jagat Circle, Aland Naka, Market Chowk, and Sath Gumbaz. The intent was to encourage people to walk over the flags, signaling public outrage against Pakistan’s alleged support for terror activities.
However, the protest sparked controversy when local Muslim residents, including some women who removed the stickers themselves, raised objections and informed the authorities. Shortly after, members of the Bajrang Dal arrived at Jagat Circle and claimed responsibility for the act, explaining it was a peaceful form of protest against the attack.
आप 100 करोड़ हैं उनके जूते पर
आपकी सरकार है उनके जूतेआप भारत में पाकिस्तान का विरोध नही कर सकते हैं क्योकि यहाँ लगभग 40 करोड़ मुसलमान रहते हैं
हाँ पाकिस्तान का समर्थन और पहलगाम घटना का समर्थन जरूर, भारत में पिछले 4 दिनों में कई जगह हुआ है। pic.twitter.com/iMiOa3DCJ9
— Shubhangi Pandit (@Babymishra_) April 26, 2025
Karnataka police, led by City Police Commissioner Sharanappa S.D., responded by visiting the locations and removing the flags. Six individuals were taken into preventive custody for questioning and later released. The Congress-led state government’s action has stirred debate on the balance between freedom of expression and communal sensitivity.
BJP MLA Detained In Rajasthan For Anti-Pakistan Slogans
In another incident from Jaipur’s Hawa constituency in Rajasthan, BJP MLA Mahal Balmukundacharya was detained for placing a poster reading “Pakistan Murdabad” (Down with Pakistan) inside a mosque compound during a protest march against the Pahalgam attack.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Manak Chowk), Hari Shankar Sharma, the MLA and several BJP workers put up the poster after a protest rally, which led to unrest as members of the local Muslim community gathered in large numbers demanding his immediate arrest. Police forces from five different stations were deployed to control the situation.
Balmukundacharya defended his actions, stating the message was aimed at condemning terrorism and Pakistan, not at targeting any community. He also pointed out that similar posters had been displayed on public pavements as part of the protest. A video showing the MLA and other leaders allegedly placing the poster inside the mosque premises circulated widely on social media, further fueling tensions.
Opposition To Anti-Pakistan Protests Reported In Other States
Similar protests by Hindu activists in other regions—including Sundargarh (Odisha) and parts of West Bengal—also reportedly faced opposition from local Muslim groups. In several cases, activists were allegedly detained by police following complaints, with the Pakistan flag stickers being cited as offensive to community sentiments.
Incident from Sundargarh, Odisha.
Bajrang Dal put stickers of Pakistan and Bangladesh on road, guess which community got offended? pic.twitter.com/GcaB65nHIL
— Indian Right Wing Community (@indianrightwing) April 25, 2025
In Bengal, the police stopped Hindus from burning the Pakistan flag because it's a "sensitive" area.
What do you mean by sensitive area? Area filled with Pakistanis? https://t.co/JrnPQLQhlv pic.twitter.com/niCZhGjUXb
— Indian Right Wing Community (@indianrightwing) April 26, 2025
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