Khalistani Flags Put Up At Himachal Pradesh Assembly Complex, CM Jairam Condemns 'Cowardly Act'

The matter is under investigation and a case will be registered under relevant sections of the Himachal Pradesh Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985, said SDM Dharamshala Shilpi Beakta

New Delhi: Khalistani flags were spotted outside the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Compex in Dharamshala on Sunday morning. These flags were found tied to the wall of the assembly along the main gate, according to the news agency ANI. On this matter, the police say that this incident must have taken place late at night or Sunday morning. Notably, the incident takes place after Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu called for hoisting the Khalistani flag in Shimla.

“It might have happened late night or early morning today. We have removed the Khalistan flags from the Vidhan Sabha gate. It could be an act of some tourists from Punjab. We are going to register a case today,” said Khushal Sharma, SP Kangra, according to the news agency ANI.

The matter is under investigation and a case will be registered, too. "We are inquiring about the matter and a case will be registered under relevant sections of the Himachal Pradesh Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985. This is like a wake-up call for us to work with more alertness," said SDM Dharamshala Shilpi Beakta, as quoted by ANI.

Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur condemned the incident as a "cowardly act" and wrote: "Only Winter Session is held in this Assembly, so there's a need for more security arrangements here during that time. Incident will be probed and strict action will be taken."

"I condemn this cowardly act. Inquiry ordered, FIR registered. CCTV footage is being analysed. We will take strict action against the culprits. I urge the people of the State to maintain peace. We will soon review security at our borders with other states," the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister told news agency ANI.

In April, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu called for hoisting the Khalistani flag in Shimla. In response to the threat from Pannu, the Anti-Terrorist Front of India burnt the Khalistani flag outside the deputy commissioner’s office in Shimla and raised slogans against the demands of Khalistan.