The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has instructed all mosques, dargahs, and madrasas in the state to hoist the national flag on August 15 to mark India’s 78th Independence Day.
In a letter issued on Monday, Waqf Board Chairman Dr. Salim Raj said that the tricolour represents national pride and transcends religious identity. “Respect for the flag is above every religion,” he said. The directive asks mutawallis (custodians of Waqf properties) to ensure the flag is raised at the main gates of these institutions in the presence of imams or mosque committee members.
“This year, our 78th Independence Day will be celebrated on August 15. On this national festival, the tricolour should be hoisted at the main gate of all mosques, madrasas, and dargahs in Chhattisgarh. Understand the importance of Independence Day and maintain its dignity by fostering patriotism, unity and brotherhood,” the board stated in the letter to the mutawallis of mosques, dargahs and madrasas.
Raj stated that while some Islamic institutions traditionally do not hold flag-hoisting ceremonies, there should be no objection to displaying the national symbol. “Those who do not love the tricolour and the country have no right to live on this land,” he asserted, adding that refusal would expose “fundamentalist thinking.”
