A delegation of rights activists on Thursday met Jharkhand chief secretary L. Khiangte to ask for the removal of religious flags from public places put up on January 22 to mark the consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The delegation under the aegis of Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, which claims to be a coalition of organisations defending people’s rights and democratic values in the state, informed the chief secretary that “religion-specific flags” have been installed at public places recently for the consecration of Ram temple at Ayodhya Dham and most of them have not been taken down till date.

The delegation urged the chief secretary that religious flags, banners and symbols should be banned in public places, roads, electricity poles, mobile towers, government offices, police stations, police and paramilitary force camps.

“There is a growing trend of installing religious flags in cities, blocks, settlements and villages. It was extremely sad to see religious flags put up on January 22 which were not removed and more religious flags could be seen than the national flag,” the delegation apprised the chief secretary.

“It is often seen that after religious rituals/festivals/programmes of different religions, religion-specific flags and symbols remain displayed in public places for several days. Even after programmes organised by political parties, political flags remain displayed at public places for several days,” the delegation informed.

“Ours is a secular country where every religion has equal respect and everyone has complete freedom to follow and celebrate their religion. There is a need to ensure that no religion becomes dominant and there is no interference of any particular religion in the government system and public order. Placing religious flags, banners and symbols in public places sends a message contrary to the constitutional values of equality, justice, fraternity and secularism,” the delegation reminded.

The delegation further demanded that religious flags, banners, and symbols should be immediately removed from public places and if they are placed for rituals, festivals, or programmes of any religion, it should be ensured that religious flags and symbols are removed within 48 hours of the end of the ritual or festival
or event.