Pro-Khalistani organization Dal Khalsa urges Sikhs to raise Nishan Sahib and opposes “Har Ghar Tiranga”

*Paromita Das

A spokesperson for the pro-Khalistani group Dal Khalsa, Paramjit Singh Mand, urged Sikhs not to hoist Tiranga during the “Har Ghar Tiranga” movement from August 13 to August 15, according to a video that circulated on social media on July 31. Rehmat TV released a video of a gathering of Sikh Groups on July 31 at Bargari Morcha in Behbal Kalan. It’s important to remember that Mand is the same person who previously praised terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Khalistan.

The AAP-led government’s inaction against sacrilege incidents that have occurred in Punjab over the years prompted the Sikh Groups to call the meeting. Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains had earlier met with Sikh groups and requested a six-month extension on cases that were still pending, but Sikh leaders refused. Notably, if the AAP forms the state government, CM Bhagwant Mann has pledged to take swift action in the open cases.

Mand said in his speech to the audience, “On August 15, government employees hoist the National Flag Tiranga on every government facility. Additionally, it occurs in every school. In Ludhiana this year, the Chief Minister will raise the flag. The only way to manipulate the system is to “gherao” the officials who go to hoist the flag. Although we won’t interrupt the program, something needs to be done.

“Be sure to announce your plans before going to corner the officials,” he continued. Second, if you’ve been reading the papers, you know that the government apparatus has heard the message. For the “Har Ghar Tiranga” movement, they have produced millions of Tirangas. Do not disregard this. Do not assume that your reaction to the distribution of millions of Tirangas is unnecessary.

He said, “They will force you to hoist Tiranga at your homes,” making the connection between the Indian National Flag and Operation Blue Star. They’ll ask you why you didn’t raise the flag. This is the same flag that was flown during the Darbar Sahib attack. They murdered our citizens and violated the Guru Granth Sahib.

In your homes, the same Tiranga will be erected

“We have decided that the Khalsa (Nishan Sahib) symbol will be hoisted on every house in the state to counter their movement,” he continued. If someone rejects Khalisai, they are free to fly any other flag besides the Tiranga. A message will be sent to India if you consent to this. Punjab is renowned above all for its inability to be coerced into doing anything. We cannot be made to hoist Tiranga by force. This is unacceptable to us.

He continued by saying that both his group and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) abstain from the annual August 15 celebrations. It’s dubbed a “black day.” “We ought to perform this on a bigger stage. Everyone should take part in this initiative. This does not pertain to a tiny community. Road congestion,  encourages more people to join our cause. The enemy’s neck must be squeezed. They provoked us by assassinating our citizens. We’ll now test them by refusing to hoist Tiranga. The Kesari flag will be flown on all Punjabi roofs on August 15th.

“Har Ghar Tiranga” is a campaign run by the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to persuade people to fly the Indian National Flag in honour of the country’s 75th anniversary of independence. The goal is to embody our commitment to nation-building as well as to deepen personal ties to the country. Instilling a sense of patriotism and raising awareness of the National Flag in Indian citizens is its intended effect.