Amidst the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, Simranjit Singh Mann, a supporter of a separate Sikh homeland and a Sangrur-based SAD (Amritsar) MP, has incited controversy by urging people to fly 'kesari' or Sikh religious flags above their homes on Independence Day instead of the national flag, news agency PTI reported.


Mann requested in a statement that on August 14 and 15, people fly saffron flags and display Nishan Sahib on their homes.


The Nishan Sahib flag is a representation of Sikh faith.


Earlier this week, Mann had tweeted, "Best tribute to the 75th anniversary of Independence would be to liberate Ladakh from China rather than fluttering flags. Besides, provide food and shelter to the poor. If Nancy Pelosi could do it, so can the politicos and generals. Facta Non Verba."






Different political parties have responded strongly to Mann's remarks on flags.


Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the head of the Punjab Congress, has criticised some extremist leaders for attempting to undermine the state's tranquilly.


Warring responded to a plea from these leaders, including Mann, who recently took an oath in accordance with the Constitution, by stating that it is obvious that such acts are intended to undermine the hard-won peace in Punjab.


He declared that the tricolour should be respected by all Indians as a national emblem.


"Nobody stops anyone from displaying 'kesari' flag atop their houses and every Sikh is and should be proud of the 'kesari' colour as it is the symbol of the ever great and glorious spirit of Khalsa," Warring was quoted by PTI in its report. 


He said that as the tricolour represents India's independence, it should be cherished and honoured.


"Tens of thousands of people, most of them Punjabis and Sikhs, have laid down their lives to safeguard the honour of the tricolour and those trying to disrespect it are disrespecting our own martyrs and their martyrdom," Warring said.


Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded to Mann's comments by saying "our forefathers" had made sacrifices for the country to be emancipated from British rule.


(With Inputs From PTI)