WATCH: Milad-un-Nabi procession comes under communal attack in India's Uttar Pradesh

Hindu extremists vandalised Muslim shops in India, intensifying tensions

Hindu extremists attacked a Milad-un-Nabi procession in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, blocking roads and vandalising Muslim shops in an escalation of communal violence.

According to Indian media reports, the incident took place in Bareilly, where a procession marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was set to take place as it does every year, with official permission granted.

However, hours before the event, local authorities informed the organisers of complaints from residents, urging them to change the route of the procession.

Following negotiations, it was agreed that the Milad-un-Nabi procession would pass through Jogin Wada’s Maurya Gali.

However, Hindu extremists learned of the new route and blocked the road, pelting stones at the gathering.

Police were deployed in large numbers to control the situation and prevent further escalation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended his best wishes on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the Islamic festival commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In a post on X, Modi conveyed his greetings, saying, "Eid Mubarak! Best wishes on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi. May harmony and togetherness always prevail. Let there be joy and prosperity all around."

Modi further said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) presented model of society based on equality and always spoke truth.

Yet the unrest India, was not limited to Uttar Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur region, Hindu extremists specifically targeted Muslim-owned shops, vandalising properties in a wave of attacks.

A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, showing extremists shouting anti-Muslim slogans while damaging the shops.

The violent actions by Hindu extremists have heightened religious tensions in these regions, raising concerns about the safety of Muslim minorities and the increasing frequency of communal violence in India.

Authorities in both states are working to restore order and have increased police presence in sensitive areas to prevent further clashes.

Last week, communal violence erupted in the Indian state of Gujarat, with attacks targeting Muslim communities in the cities of Bharuch and Surat.

Several people were injured, including women and children, while 27 individuals have been arrested, most of whom are Muslims.

According to Indian media reports, violent clashes began when extremist Hindu groups objected to the installation of flags and banners celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Muslim-populated areas.

Armed with sticks and rods, the attackers chanted "Jai Shri Ram" as they set fire to motorcycles and property belonging to Muslims.

Tensions escalated when some Eid Milad-un-Nabi flags were forcibly removed, sparking outrage among the Muslim population.

The situation worsened as violence spread to other areas, including the city of Surat.

In both incidents, local police faced criticism for allegedly siding with the attackers, arresting Muslims instead of the perpetrators.

So far, 27 people had been detained, the majority of whom are from the Muslim community.