Flag Resembling Palestine's Halts Milad-un-Nabi Procession in Cuttack

A procession in Cuttack, Odisha, celebrating Milad-un-Nabi on Monday was temporarily halted when a man was seen waving a flag resembling the Palestinian flag, according to police. The incident occurred in the Dargah Bazar area of the city.

Flag Incident During Procession

During the procession, a youth was spotted with a flag that looked similar to the Palestinian flag. "We have seized the flag and cautioned the youth to refrain from such activities," Additional DCP Anil Mishra informed reporters. The procession resumed shortly after senior police officers discussed the matter with the organisers.

The seized flag had three colours but lacked the triangle characteristic of the Palestinian flag. "Something was written on it. So it didn't have the exact specifications of a Palestinian flag," Mishra clarified. The flag was confiscated to prevent any potential issues.

Peaceful Observance Across State

Milad-un-Nabi marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, a day observed by Muslims worldwide by reflecting on his teachings and life. The Prophet passed away on this same day. The day was observed peacefully across Odisha.

Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik extended their greetings on this occasion. "I greet Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary," Majhi stated.

In a post on X, Patnaik conveyed, "Warm wishes and greetings to all on #EidMiladUnNabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. May his teachings of compassion, humanity, tolerance and universal brotherhood guide us in the path of peace, love and harmony."

The brief interruption in Cuttack's procession did not overshadow the overall peaceful observance of Milad-un-Nabi throughout the state.