Republic Day 2022: Historical Journey of Tricolour to Lal Chowk in Kashmir Since 1992
Image Credit: Amar Ujala File Photo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi had hoisted the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar 30 years ago. Modi was at that time a member of Joshi's team which had reached to hoist the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar during that period of fierce terrorism. However, after this, the tricolour could not be hoisted at Lal Chowk in the last 30 years.
Murli Manohar Joshi and Narendra Modi hoisting the flag at Lal Chowk, Srinagar in 1992
Image Credit: Amar Ujala File Photo
In 1992, for the first time at Lal Chowk, the question of prestige for the separatists, terrorists and mainstream political parties, nationalists and security forces in Kashmir was raised for the first time. The Bharatiya Janata Party, starting the Ekta Yatra from Kanyakumari, had announced to conclude it on 26 January 1992 by hoisting the tricolour at Lal Chowk.
Historical Journey of Tricolour to Lal Chowk in Kashmir
Image Credit: Amar Ujala File Photo
After this announcement of BJP, the situation in the entire state became very tense. The situation in Kashmir was explosive. Terrorists and separatists had openly declared that the tricolour would not be allowed to be hoisted. Even before the completion of the BJP's Ekta Yatra, the terrorists blew a grenade at the police headquarters, in which the then Director General of Police JN Saxena was injured.
Murli Manohar Joshi and Narendra Modi hoisting the flag at Lal Chowk, Srinagar in 1992
Image Credit: Amar Ujala File Photo
Sensing the situation, the then administration had airlifted some senior BJP leaders including Murli Manohar Joshi, Narendra Modi to Srinagar. Lal Chowk was a complete battlefield. There were only security personnel all around. In about 15 minutes amidst tight security arrangements, Narendra Modi and others involved as members of Murli Manohar Joshi and his team hoisted the tricolour. During this, the terrorists also fired rockets which did not hit the target. After this all the leaders had returned safely.
Today Narendra Modi's government is at the center. There is President's rule in the state. There is an army of the country in Srinagar, despite this, no one is unannounced allowed to hoist the tricolour at Lal Chowk.
