Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Rijiju Warns New York Protesters Over Alleged Indian Flag Desecration
A protest took place outside Madison Square Garden in New York.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said a video appeared to show someone treating the Indian flag disrespectfully.
The report also said some protesters shouted pro-Khalistan slogans.
Rijiju said people can criticise political organisations and the government.
However, he warned that insulting India or its flag would have serious consequences.
The protesters’ own explanation was not included in the reports.
Nearby, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke to more than 6,000 people.
He encouraged people to respect diversity, help one another and remain loyal to the countries where they live.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised protesters accused of disrespecting the Indian national flag in New York.
Rijiju shared a purported video that allegedly showed a protester desecrating the flag outside Madison Square Garden.
The report said other protesters raised pro-Khalistan slogans during the demonstration.
Rijiju said people may criticise the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bharatiya Janata Party or government, but should not insult India or its flag.
The protest took place as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed more than 6,000 people at a Universal Oneness Celebration focused on unity and diversity.
- Who
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised protesters; RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the nearby gathering.
- What
- Protesters were allegedly involved in Indian flag desecration and pro-Khalistan slogans, according to the reports and Rijiju’s post.
- When
- The protest occurred on Saturday, August 29; Rijiju commented on Sunday, August 30.
- Where
- The protest was outside Madison Square Garden in New York, while Bhagwat’s event was held at its Infosys Theatre.
- Why
- Rijiju said he was responding to what he described as disrespect toward India and its national flag.
Rijiju’s warning
Reported protest conduct
Criticism and national symbols
Rijiju’s warning
Rijiju said people have the freedom to criticise the RSS, BJP or government, but warned them not to insult India or its flag.
Reported protest conduct
The reports describe protesters as allegedly disrespecting or desecrating the Indian flag and raising pro-Khalistan slogans; they do not include the protesters’ response.
Interpretation of the video
Rijiju’s warning
Rijiju presented the video as evidence of disrespect toward the Indian flag and warned that such conduct could have serious consequences.
Reported protest conduct
The reports identify the footage as purported or allegedly showing the incident and do not independently establish what occurred or whether any consequences followed.
Diaspora responsibilities
Rijiju’s warning
Bhagwat said members of the Bharatiya diaspora should fulfil their duties and remain loyal to the country where they live while preserving values from their birthplace.
Reported protest conduct
The reports do not provide a contrasting response from protesters or other critics regarding Bhagwat’s message.
- Speaker commenting
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
- Protest location
- Outside Madison Square Garden, New York
- Alleged conduct
- Disrespect or desecration of the Indian national flag; pro-Khalistan slogans
- Video status
- Rijiju shared a purported video; the reports did not independently verify it
- Nearby event
- Universal Oneness Celebration addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
- Attendance
- More than 6,000 Indian-American community members and interfaith leaders
- Event message
- Unity, diversity, kindness, compassion and support for communities
