Bhatkal-Honnavar Constituency’s Congress candidate emerged victorious in the recent election, and his supporters gathered at the Bhatkal Shamsuddin Circle with green and saffron flags to celebrate their victory. However, social media platforms soon became flooded with pictures claiming that the people were carrying ‘Muslim flags’ and some even claimed that they were carrying Pakistani flags. This led to a potential communal divide in the region.
To clear up the situation, Vishnuvardhana N. IPS, Superintendent of Police Uttara Kannada District, confirmed that the flag used by the supporters was not a Pakistani flag. Instead, it was a religious flag that the individuals used at their own discretion. No complaint was filed or action was initiated as the officers on the spot had already confirmed it was not a Pakistani flag.
SP Vishnuvardhana urged social media users to refrain from spreading rumors and posting sensitive content that could lead to a law and order situation in the region. Imran Lanka, the Bhatkal Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem’s Political Wing Convener, added that there is nothing called a “Muslim flag” as Islam does not have any official or celebrated flags. He stated that the flag used during the rally of celebration on Saturday was not a Pakistani flag. Only some fringe elements are trying to give a communal twist to the situation by spreading lies.
According to the reports, some of the Muslim supporters had joined the rally carrying green flags to portray unity among the local Hindus and Muslims as the Hindu supporters had brought saffron flags to the rally. This was meant to indicate that the two communities had played an equal role in ensuring the victory of the Congress candidate.
It is important to maintain communal harmony in the region, and spreading rumors can only lead to law and order situations. The use of religious flags during celebrations should not be given a communal twist, and all citizens should work toward unity and peaceful coexistence.
