In an unprecedented turn of events, the Punjab Government has finalized Patiala as the venue for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to unfurl the national flag on Republic Day, replacing the earlier plan for Faridkot, following a threat from the banned separatist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The decision was taken after pro-Khalistan slogans, graffiti, and flags were found defacing the walls of Faridkot’s Nehru Stadium — the original venue where the Chief Minister was scheduled to unfurl the national flag on January 26 in a state-level function. The incident, despite tight security preparations, has raised alarm across the State, putting the state police force on red alert.

The controversy deepened when SFJ’s legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannu released a provocative video targeting the Chief Minister and urging the youth to replace the Indian Tricolour with Khalistan flags. In a statement laced with threats, Pannu warned Mann, “Those who walk on Beant Singh’s path will meet the same fate”, referring to the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

The reference to the 1995 assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh sent shockwaves across the State, prompting the government to re-evaluate its security arrangements. Despite a significant police presence, the graffiti and flags appeared at multiple locations, raising questions about the security measures in place for such a high-profile event.

The government’s decision-making process has seen multiple twists. Initially, it was announced that the Chief Minister would preside over the Republic Day function in Mohali, while Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan would officiate the Faridkot event. However, a subsequent notification stated that the Chief Minister would instead hoist the flag in Patiala, with Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal taking his place in Faridkot. The frequent revisions have drawn criticism, highlighting the challenges faced by the state in handling both security and logistics.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed that security across the State had been intensified. “We have taken comprehensive measures to ensure peaceful Republic Day celebrations. Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police have been instructed to bolster security and intensify patrols in their jurisdictions,” he said.

Revised Plans

Originally, Chief Minister Mann was scheduled to preside over the Republic Day celebrations in Faridkot, where he was to unfurl the national flag and unveil several developmental projects. Key initiatives included the foundation stone for Punjab’s second sports school in Jand Sahib, as well as the inauguration of new facilities at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital. However, the discovery of pro-Khalistan slogans forced the State Government to shift the event to Patiala.

According to the revised schedule, Chief Minister Mann will now unfurl the national flag in Patiala on January 26. The Government official insisted that the change was made to ensure the safety and dignity of the event, while dismissing speculations that it reflected a weakness in handling security threats.

Police Launches Probe

The Faridkot police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Pro-Khalistan graffiti was found not only near Nehru Stadium but also at other locations, including the railway station. A coat of paint was applied to cover the slogans as police teams combed through surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators.

Faridkot Superintendent of Police Jasmeet Singh assured the public that those responsible would be brought to justice. “The graffiti was found away from the main venue, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety,” he said.

Faridkot Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar also clarified that the decision to shift the venue was not solely based on security concerns but also involved logistical considerations.

This is not the first time that SFJ has made an attempt to disrupt public events in Punjab. The group, banned by the Indian Government, has long been involved in separatist propaganda and similar incidents. In 2020, pro-Khalistan graffiti and flags appeared on government buildings in Moga, leading to arrests and an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The resurgence of such activities has raised concerns about the growing audacity of separatist elements in the State. Analysts believed that these incidents are designed to create fear and disrupt public harmony, especially on important occasions like Republic Day.