Kiren Rijiju Warns Protesters Over National Flag Insult in New York

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has warned protesters after a video appeared to show individuals stepping on and tearing an Indian national flag during a demonstration outside Madison Square Garden in New York. The incident occurred as members of the Indian diaspora had gathered for an event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Rijiju said political groups and individuals were free to criticise the government, the BJP or the RSS, but argued that insulting the country or its national flag crossed a line. His remarks came after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.

Rijiju said those involved should not mistake the freedom to express political disagreement for permission to insult national symbols. Sharing the video, he said criticism of political organisations and the government was acceptable but warned that disrespecting the national flag would have serious consequences. The footage showed a protester appearing to hold the Indian flag under or near his foot while other demonstrators raised slogans associated with the Khalistani movement. The flag was also seen being torn during the protest, while police officers were present at the scene.

The incident triggered reactions on social media, with several users urging authorities to identify the people involved and examine their backgrounds. Some also called for authorities to determine whether any of the protesters were Indian citizens and, if so, whether Indian law could apply to their actions. The circumstances surrounding the protest, including the identities and legal status of those involved, would need to be established by the relevant authorities. The episode has nevertheless renewed debate over how demonstrations by overseas groups interact with Indian political issues and national symbols.

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The protest took place as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh marked its centenary celebrations with events involving supporters in different countries. Bhagwat addressed the gathering in New York as part of an international tour that also included engagements in Canada and the United Kingdom. His appearance attracted supporters as well as protesters, creating a politically charged atmosphere around the venue. The RSS, which was founded in Nagpur in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, describes character-building, social organisation and service as important elements of its work.

During his address, Bhagwat urged members of the Indian diaspora to remain loyal to the countries where they live and work. Referring to the country of residence as their “Karma Bhumi” and India as their “Janma Bhumi”, he said Indians living abroad have a responsibility to contribute positively to their adopted countries. He said people living in the United States should behave as Americans and fulfil their responsibilities towards the country in which they reside. Bhagwat also called for communities to demonstrate values such as responsibility, compassion and concern for humanity rather than measuring success only through material achievements.

The New York incident has added another layer to an already politically sensitive gathering, with the treatment of the Indian national flag becoming the central focus of the controversy. Rijiju's warning indicates that the government views deliberate disrespect towards the national symbol as separate from legitimate political criticism. Any further action would depend on investigations and the applicable laws in the United States or India, depending on the circumstances and identities of those involved. The episode has also highlighted the continuing tensions that can emerge when political demonstrations involving the Indian diaspora intersect with contentious issues surrounding nationalism, the RSS and the Khalistan movement.

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