Security heightened in Jammu and Kashmir.

NEW DELHI: The ministry of home affairs has cautioned states about the possibility of communal tensions in the wake of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, asking authorities to stay alert and take preventive steps.In a letter circulated on February 28, the ministry warned that recent military developments in West Asia could have “ripple effects” within India, particularly if overseas events are invoked during religious gatherings or public meetings, news agency PTI reported.

States have been asked to keep a close watch on individuals and groups that could provoke unrest. The advisory specifically called for monitoring “pro-Iran radical preachers giving inflammatory sermons” that may inflame communal sentiments. The ministry also emphasised the need for closer intelligence coordination and timely intervention to prevent any deterioration in the law-and-order situation.The alert comes against the backdrop of a sharp escalation in the Middle East following reported joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran. New Delhi has publicly called for restraint while keeping a close watch on developments, mindful of the large Indian presence across the Gulf region.Officials said the government is assessing the situation not only from a geopolitical perspective but also for its potential domestic impact, amid concerns that international developments could be used by extremist elements to trigger tensions at home.Precautionary measures have already been taken in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Mobile internet speeds were reduced across the Valley on Monday following spontaneous protests over the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials said, adding that the step was taken to maintain law and order.Security has been tightened in Srinagar, with the Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk sealed off using barricades. Additional police and CRPF personnel were deployed across the city to prevent large gatherings.Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran during a joint US-Israel operation. The development triggered protests and mourning in several places, including parts of India.Officials said demonstrations were reported from Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. Kashmir, which has an estimated Shia population of around 15 lakh, saw some of the largest gatherings.Meanwhile, the conflict in West Asia continues to intensify. The United States and Israel have carried out sustained strikes on Iranian targets, focusing on ballistic missile infrastructure and naval assets in the days following Khamenei’s killing. Iranian officials say more than 200 people have been killed since the campaign began.Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military facilities in the Gulf. Strikes have also reached major cities in the region, including Riyadh and Dubai.The conflict has also begun to disrupt civil aviation across the Gulf. Several airlines have suspended or curtailed services as the exchange of strikes continues. Airports in Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait have also reported strikes or operational disruptions as tensions continue to rise.