KNews Desk: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed strong displeasure over the alleged insult to the national flag in New York. Sharing a video of the demonstration on social media platform X, he said that there is complete freedom to criticize RSS, BJP or the government, but insulting India and its national flag will not be tolerated. Rijiju warned that those who insult the tricolor and the country will have to pay a heavy price.
The incident is being reported outside New York's Madison Square Garden, where some protesters were protesting during a program of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. In the video shared by Rijiju, a protester is allegedly seen insulting the Indian flag. At the same time, it has also been claimed that some other protesters raised pro-Khalistan slogans. On Saturday, Mohan Bhagwat addressed more than 6,000 people from the Indian-American community and leaders of various religions at the Infosys Theater in Madison Square Garden. In his address, he described diversity and unity as the identity of India. Protests also took place during this program.
People involved in the protest carried banners and posters and raised slogans. Regarding the viral video, it is being claimed that a pro-Khalistan protestor tied the Indian tricolor to his leg and posed in front of the camera. In another video, some people are allegedly seen pulling and tearing the tricolor. The protesters also garlanded the cutout of Mohan Bhagwat with shoes. Responding to these incidents, Kiren Rijiju said that in a democracy everyone has the right to criticize the government, BJP or RSS. But insulting the country and the national flag in the name of criticism cannot be accepted.
In his post, Rijiju warned the protesters that they can criticize RSS, BJP or the government, but should not insult India. He said in clear words that a heavy price will have to be paid for insulting the national flag and the country. After this reaction of the Union Minister, this matter is also discussed on social media. However, further action or official confirmation is awaited from the concerned authorities regarding the incidents seen in the viral video and the people involved.