Independence Day celebrations across India on Saturday, 15th August, marked the country’s 80th Independence Day, with the Tricolour being hoisted at government offices, schools and public institutions. However, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo raised concerns over the celebrations in villages along the Punjab border with Pakistan.
Priyanka Kanoongo claimed that Independence Day was not celebrated in some schools and panchayats in these India-Pakistan border villages in Punjab. He also said that the national flag was not hoisted and the national anthem was not sung at these places.
Priyank Kanoongo targets AAP leaders
In a post on X, Kanoongo directly criticised Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the issue.
यह सरकारी राष्ट्रद्रोह है !!
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) August 15, 2026
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
Calling the situation “governmental treason”, he questioned why national festivals were not being properly observed in villages located close to the Pakistan border. He said that the lack of flag-hoisting and the national anthem at schools and panchayats was a serious matter.
Kanoongo said that such conduct amounted to disrespect towards the country and “Mother India”. He warned that the situation would not be tolerated and said that the strictest action would be taken.
Tricolour hoisted across states
Meanwhile, Independence Day was celebrated across the country with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the main national ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The Prime Minister hoisted the Tricolour and addressed the nation, speaking about India’s development and its plans for the coming years.
Independence Day programmes were also organised in states across the country. Leaders and citizens took part in flag-hoisting ceremonies at official venues and public institutions.
From Gujarat and Haryana to Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Assam, the celebrations reflected the national spirit of the day. The programmes also remembered the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the long struggle that led to India’s independence.
The celebrations further focused on the role of citizens, especially young people, in taking forward the values of the freedom struggle and contributing to India’s future growth and development.
