Karwar (Karnataka), August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Palestine flag was briefly waved during an Eid Milad procession in Ankola town of Karnataka’s Karwar district on Wednesday, prompting police to intervene and take the flag into custody.
According to officials, the incident took place when a youth participating in the procession suddenly brought out the flag and began waving it. Police noticed the display, approached the youth and questioned him about the flag.
The youth reportedly argued with the police, following which officers took the flag into custody. Elders participating in the procession intervened and advised him against arguing with the police, asking him to continue with the procession. The procession was subsequently allowed to proceed.
Police have not registered a case in connection with the incident so far. Officials said they would examine the youth’s background and determine whether there was any attempt or conspiracy to create communal tension. Appropriate legal action would be taken if any such involvement is established, they said.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened across Karwar district in view of the Eid Milad celebrations.
In a separate incident in Chikkamagaluru, an “I Love Mohammad” banner was displayed in Tippunagar during Eid Milad celebrations. The banner was put up near a large cut-out of Tipu Sultan, prompting objections from some local residents.
Posters carrying the same slogan were also seen along roads through which the Eid procession passed. The “I Love Mohammad” campaign had previously triggered controversy in several parts of the country, with cases registered in connection with the display of such banners.
The Chikkamagaluru development comes against the backdrop of an earlier controversy involving a large Tipu Sultan cut-out and the alleged playing of a Pakistan-related song. A video of the incident circulated on social media, following which two people were arrested.
Police have since removed the “I Love Mohammad” banners from the area and maintained heightened security during the Eid Milad celebrations.
Except for these two incidents, Eid Milad processions across Karnataka remained largely peaceful, with no other untoward incidents reported.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar extended Eid Milad greetings to people across the state. “Warm greetings on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi. May this occasion bring peace, happiness, harmony and prosperity,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara also extended greetings, saying Eid Milad-un-Nabi was a symbol of harmony and expressing his wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity and contentment for people across the state.
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