Repeated disrespect towards national flag cannot be dismissed as coincidence: Raman Suri
JAMMU, Aug 5: Senior Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri has strongly condemned the alleged disrespect shown towards the Indian National Flag by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti during a protest in Srinagar, stating that repeated incidents involving the Tricolour raise serious questions about her regard for the nation’s highest symbol and cannot be brushed aside as mere mistakes.
Referring to the recent controversy in which Mehbooba Mufti was seen holding the Indian Tricolour upside down during a sit-in protest marking the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Raman Suri said that every Indian, irrespective of political ideology, is duty-bound to honour and uphold the dignity of the National Flag. Displaying the Tricolour in an inverted manner is not a trivial lapse but a matter of grave concern that hurts the sentiments of millions of patriotic Indians.
Suri further recalled the incident of August 15, 2016, when Mehbooba Mufti, then Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir, was involved in an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony during which the National Flag fell to the ground after it detached from the pole. While that incident was described at the time as accidental, the latest controversy has once again brought her conduct concerning the National Flag under public scrutiny.
“It is disturbing that controversies surrounding the dignity of the Tricolour continue to arise in connection with Mehbooba Mufti. Whether through negligence or otherwise, such repeated incidents cannot simply be ignored. National symbols deserve the highest respect, and every public representative must exercise utmost care while handling them,” Suri said.
He said the National Flag represents the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters, the unity of the nation and the pride of every Indian. Any act that undermines its dignity, whether deliberate or through gross negligence, deserves to be examined seriously under the law.
Demanding strict action, Raman Suri urged the competent authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and, if any provisions of the Flag Code of India or other applicable laws have been violated, to register a case and proceed in accordance with law. “No individual, however influential or politically placed, should be above the law when it comes to respecting the National Flag. Equal standards must apply to everyone,” he asserted.
Suri also criticised what he termed a casual approach towards national symbols, saying such conduct sends the wrong message to the younger generation. He said that patriotism is reflected not merely in speeches but also in conduct. “The dignity of the National Flag is non-negotiable. Those entrusted with public leadership must set an example by honouring it at all times, and any alleged violation should invite appropriate legal scrutiny in accordance with the law,” he said.