Flag waved in Bhatkal was not Pakistani flag, does not represent any religion or community: UK SP
Bhatkal: Following the victory of the Congress candidate in the Bhatkal-Honnavar Constituency, supporters gathered at the Bhatkal Shamsuddin Circle with green and saffron flags to celebrate the Congress victory. However, pictures from the spot soon went viral across social media platforms with claims that the people were carrying ‘Muslim flags’ and some even claimed that they were carrying Pakistani flags, which could potentially create a communal divide in the region.
Vishnuvardhana N. IPS, Superintendent of Police Uttara Kannada District, has made it clear that the flag used by the supporters was not a Pakistani flag, and it was, in fact, a religious flag that the individuals used at their own discretion. He also added that no complaint was filed or action was initiated in this regard as the officers on the spot had already confirmed it was not a Pakistani flag.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati, 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. He said, "It was a religious flag, and it was not a Pakistani flag. We have confirmed it, and we request the social media users not to share any misleading information that could create communal unrest."
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 in fact meant to indicate that the two communities had played an equal role in ensuring the victory of the Congress candidate.
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Pune schools, colleges to remain shut on Monday for cycling event
Pune (PTI): Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in several parts of Pune will remain closed on Monday in view of 'Pune Grand Tour 2026', an international cycling event, officials said on Sunday.
The decision has been taken as the prologue race of the event will be held in the city on Monday, for which major roads will remain closed to traffic from 9 am to 6 pm, they said.
The Pune traffic department has issued directives about road closures for the cycle race in key areas, including Ganesh Khind, Jangli Maharaj and Fergusson roads.
The five-day Continental Road Cycling Race for Men, from January 19 to 23, will wind through a 437 km route across the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range, featuring sharp bends and challenging elevations.
The event has attracted 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi issued orders declaring a one-day holiday for educational institutions located in the areas of Fergusson College, Ganeshkhind, Jangli Maharaj and adjoining internal roads to avoid inconvenience to students and parents.
The holiday will apply to all anganwadis, government and private schools, junior and senior colleges, and professional educational institutions in the limits of Shivajinagar-Ghole Road, Vishrambaugwada-Kasba, Dhole Patil Road, Bhawani Peth, Aundh-Baner, Kothrud-Bavdhan, Sinhagad Road and Warje-Karvenagar ward offices.
Police have appealed to the citizens to use the Metro and avoid commuting by road.
