Following security lapse in Faridkot, CM Bhagwant Mann to unfurl Tricolour in Mohali

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will unfurl the National Flag on the 76th Republic Day at a function to be held in Mohali on January 26.

Initially, he was supposed to preside over the Republic Day celebrations in Faridkot. However, after pro-Khalistani graffiti, slogans and flags were found on the walls of the Nehru stadium in Faridkot-- the venue for the celebrations--this morning, it was decided that CM Bhagwant Mann will preside over the function at Mohali. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, who was supposed to preside over the celebrations at Mohali, will now preside over the Republic Day function at Faridkot.

It may be mentioned that the Sikhs for Justice has taken the responsibility for the graffiti at the Faridkot stadium. Two days ago, Shive Kumar Verma, ADGP, Internal Security, had visited the Nehru stadium to take stock of security measures in view of the CM’s scheduled visit.

Though heavy police deployment was made at and around the stadium, the miscreants managed to paint the walls of the stadium with pro-Khalistan slogans. Following the incident, the state government was mulling a change in the venue. There were talks of the venue earlier being shifted to Patiala.