‘Neither I-Day celebrated in border schools nor Tricolour hoisted’: NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo slams Punjab govt

NEW DELHI: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo, in a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), claimed that neither has Independence Day been celebrated in the schools and panchayats located in border villages adjacent to Pakistan nor has the tricolour been hoisted, adding that even the national anthem has not been sung there.

In an X post on Saturday, he targeted AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, saying that the country will not tolerate such disrespect to Mother India.

“This is governmental treason!! In the villages adjacent to the Pakistan border in Punjab, neither Independence Day has been celebrated in the schools nor has the tricolour been hoisted. Not just in schools, but in panchayats too, national festivals are being disrespected; even the national anthem has not been sung. This anarchy by @ArvindKejriwal and @BhagwantMann and the insult to Mother India will not be tolerated. The strictest action will be taken,” he said.

यह सरकारी राष्ट्रद्रोह है !!

पंजाब में पाकिस्तान के बॉर्डर से लगे हुए गाँवों के स्कूलों में ना तो स्वतंत्रता दिवस मनाया गया है और ना ही तिरंगा फहराया गया है।

स्कूल ही नहीं पंचायतों में भी राष्ट्रीय पर्व का अपमान किया जा रहा है, राष्ट्रगान तक नहीं किया गया।@ArvindKejriwal और… pic.twitter.com/058bwVTOIx

— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) August 15, 2026

Meanwhile, the 80th Independence Day celebrations were held across the country with the national ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour and addressed the nation. The Prime Minister’s Independence Day address focused on India’s development journey and the goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, with emphasis on self-reliance, youth, technology, infrastructure, reforms and national security.

This year’s celebrations also carry special significance as India marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. The National Song was rendered at the Red Fort ceremony as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Across the states, the flag-hoisting ceremonies served as a reminder of the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle and the country’s continuing journey towards development and progress.

From Gujarat and Haryana to Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Assam, the participation of state leaders in the celebrations reflected the nationwide spirit of Independence Day, with the Tricolour flying at official venues and public institutions across the country.

The celebrations also highlighted the role of citizens and young people in carrying forward the values associated with India’s freedom struggle and contributing towards the country’s future development. (ANI)