KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
Khalistan graffiti was found near the Republic Day celebration venue in Faridkot early Thursday.
A flag with Khalistan written on it and pro-Khalistan slogans were found on the walls near the Nehru Stadium.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann was slated to hoist the Tricolour; however, it is now indicated that Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan will oversee the official proceedings according to the revised schedule.
Graffiti was also found near the railway station. The incidents happened despite heavy security arrangements for the CM's visit, with the schedule alteration being announced on Thursday
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun uploaded a post on social media about putting up the Khalistan flag.
Police swung into action applied a coat of paint over the graffiti.
Similar incidents of Khalistan-related graffiti have occurred in the past, including one in Moga in Aug 2020, when a Khalistan flag was hoisted atop a district administrative building. Three people had been arrested, and National Investigation Agency (NIA) involved in the investigation.
Faridkot SP Jasmeet Singh confirmed that the graffiti was found away from the Republic Day function venue. A case was registered, and further investigations are ongoing.