‘Go to Iran’: UP police officer warns Muslims against protests on US‑Israel aggression
Lucknow: Islamophobic remarks by a police officer in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, telling Muslims to “go to Iran” if they protested against US-Israeli aggression, have sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the controversial comments were made by Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Kuldeep Kumar during a Peace Committee meeting in the Asmoli area, which was attended by local Muslim community members.
Videos of the meeting circulating online show Kumar warning that anyone expressing concern over the US-Israel-Iran conflict, raising slogans, or displaying posters could face police action if it disturbed local law and order. In the viral clip, Kumar says, “If some people here are very concerned about the Iran–Israel war and are beating their chests about it, then they should get on a plane and go to Iran.”
He further threatened: “If anyone shows support or raises slogans, they will be sent to jail.”
The officer also criticised social media users who create viral reels about the war, warning that spreading provocative content online would not be tolerated.
The remarks drew swift condemnation from political leaders. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the officer had no right to threaten citizens for expressing their views. “This country does not belong to CO Kuldeep Kumar’s father. Every Indian citizen has the democratic right to peaceful protest within the Constitution,” he asserted. Owaisi also accused authorities of applying a double standard, noting that rallies in support of Israel are sometimes allowed while Muslims are warned against expressing concern over the Iran conflict.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi condemned the conduct of Sambhal police, asking, “People who are protesting in support of Israel, where should they go then? This is not the language of responsibility. In a Peace Committee meeting, the focus should be on peace and brotherhood, not threats.”
AIMIM Uttar Pradesh president Shaukat Ali also criticised the officer, saying the statements amounted to intimidation. “If we do anything unconstitutional, file a case. But sitting in a Peace Committee meeting and threatening Muslims is unacceptable,” he said.
