Ministry of Home Affairs Urges States, UTs to Stay Alert Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

 In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories, urging heightened vigilance to prevent any law and order disturbances linked to ongoing developments.

The MHA has directed state governments and UT administrations to closely monitor protests organised either in support of or against Iran, ensuring that such gatherings do not disrupt public order. Authorities have been advised to implement adequate preventive measures and carefully track intelligence inputs to pre-empt any untoward incidents.

The advisory reflects concerns that certain elements may attempt to exploit the situation to incite unrest. It cautions that demonstrations could be used as a pretext to disturb communal harmony or destabilise law and order. States have been asked to respond swiftly and decisively to any signs of escalation.

The alert follows heightened tensions in the region after joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

As a precautionary measure, restrictions were imposed across parts of the Kashmir Valley on Monday to maintain peace and stability. Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, have been ordered to remain closed for two days.

Officials stated that these steps were taken to prevent miscreants and anti-national elements from exploiting public sentiment following reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, **Ali Khamenei**. The restrictions aim to avert any escalation and preserve communal harmony.

Protests have been reported from the Valley, with demonstrators expressing grief and anger over developments in Iran. A separate demonstration also took place at **Aligarh Muslim University**, where students assembled on campus to voice their concerns, with some local residents reportedly joining the gathering.

Authorities nationwide have been instructed to remain vigilant, strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, and ensure that peace and public order are maintained amid the evolving situation.

With inputs from IANS