India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister and BJP member, has vehemently attacked those who allegedly showed disrespect to the Indian national flag during protests outside Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, August 29.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned alleged disrespect towards the Indian national flag during protests at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 29, amidst RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat’s speech, stating criticism is permissible but national symbols should not be dishonored.
These protests occurred amid RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat’s speech at the Universal Oneness Celebration at the said venue.
‘Don’t Abuse Our Nation,’ Says Kiren Rijiju
In response to the video of the protest that was being shared on social media platforms, Rijiju stated that the right to criticize any political party, organization, or the government does exist, but at no point should one dishonor the nation and its flag.
On his post on Twitter, he mentioned the following:
“We always used to say that you can criticize RSS, BJP or Govt. but don’t insult your nation. Pay heed…Don’t insult our flag and my country. This will definitely bite you.”
These statements were made following the sharing of the video of protesters disrespectfully dealing with the Indian tricolor on social media.
What Happened During The Protest?
According to reports, pro-Khalistan protesters gathered outside Madison Square Garden to oppose Bhagwat’s appearance.
Videos circulating online allegedly show one protester tying an Indian flag around his foot while posing for cameras.
Another clip purportedly shows protesters grabbing a second tricolour and tearing it apart while dancing and cheering.
The authenticity and full context of individual social media videos would need to be independently verified.
Posters And Anti-India Slogans Seen At Protest
The protesters reportedly carried banners and posters criticising the Indian government and the RSS. Some posters reportedly carried slogans including “Modi is the face of Hindu terror”, while protesters also raised pro-Khalistan and anti-India slogans.
A cut-out depicting Mohan Bhagwat was also reportedly displayed, with a shoe garland placed around it.
The demonstrations were organised in opposition to Bhagwat’s appearance at the New York event.
Who Organised The Protest?
Reports have identified Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as being among the groups involved in the demonstrations.
The Government of India has designated SFJ as a terrorist organisation under Indian law.
The group has been associated with the pro-Khalistan movement and has previously organised demonstrations and campaigns targeting the Indian government and Indian officials.
Why Was Mohan Bhagwat In New York?
Invited by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), Bhagwat attended the “Universal Oneness Celebration” at the Infosys Theatre located in Madison Square Garden.
The visit to the US was one of his tours which spanned the US, Canada, and the UK in the centennial year of RSS.
It was the appearance of Bhagwat in New York, however, that was protested by people who were against RSS and the Indian government’s policies.
Bhagwat’s Visit Also Faced US Religious Freedom Row
The RSS chief’s visit had already triggered controversy in the United States before the New York event.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had called for sanctions against the RSS and raised allegations concerning religious minorities in India.
The Indian government has rejected such allegations and previously criticised USCIRF as biased and lacking credibility.
Rijiju Draws A Line Between Criticism And Flag Disrespect
In his latest comments, Rijiju has spoken of the difference between constructive criticism and disrespect to the nation.
As he defended the freedom to criticize RSS, BJP, and the Government, he urged the protestors to be cautious not to offend India or its national flag.
This has created yet another political controversy in social media regarding the rights of protests and respect to national symbols.
