ABVP protests use of Pakistani flag during play at Madhya Pradesh school

The use of a Pakistani flag during a play as part of the Independence Day programme at a school in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district intended to educate students about the struggles and historical context of freedom, led to protests from the ABVP, which demanded action against the school.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), led the protests against the use of the Pakistani flag in the play. The RSS is the parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The protesters claimed that the inclusion of the flag was inappropriate and disrespectful, leading to widespread outrage within the community.

According to school officials, the play was designed to educate young students about India’s independence and the historical events surrounding Partition. The Pakistani flag was used as a prop to represent the historical context of the time.

However, a cropped version of the original seven-minute video was shared on social media, leading to a misunderstanding of the play’s intent. The play also featured a British flag, further emphasizing the historical narrative it sought to portray.

In response to the controversy, ABVP workers staged a protest outside the Ratlam collector’s office and blocked the Mhow-Neemuch highway, demanding action against the school administration. Police officials reported that the protesters called for the registration of a first information report against the school.

Local authorities have stated that they are investigating the incident by reviewing the video and gathering statements from the school administration. The school, in an effort to de-escalate the situation, has since deleted the original video from its social media accounts.