Women Expressing Solidarity with Pakistani Flag in India, Stirring Controversy during Pahalgam Terror Incident
In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, including Karnataka resident Manjunath Rao, a video from Kalaburagi, Karnataka has gone viral. The clip showcases two Muslim women diligently removing Pakistani flags from the streets, taking great care to prevent damage. Their actions, caught on camera, have sparked controversy nationwide.
The women voiced visible dismay over the disrespect shown to the Pakistani flag and even pointed fingers in disapproval at the culprits. One of them, aware that the video was being recorded, defiantly stated, "Take our photo," showing no fear of public judgement despite growing anti-Pakistan sentiment in the country.
In today's episode of DNA, Zee News Managing Editor Rahul Sinha analyzed this viral video from Karnataka, in which a woman empathized with the Pakistani flag.
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Initially, these flags were placed by Hindu activists protesting the Pahalgam attack. However, the Kalaburagi police detained these activists due to the lack of official permission for the demonstration, later releaseing them. This incident raises questions about whether approval is required to publicly express anger towards Pakistan.
Meanwhile, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, tension ignited following a protest led by BJP MLA Balamukund Acharya. The protest aimed to mourn the victims of the Pahalgam attack and featured slogans like "Pakistan Murdabad" and symbolic burning of Pakistan's flag and posters. The situation deteriorated when some protesters placed anti-Pakistan posters near a mosque, leading to protests from hundreds of local Muslims and the subsequent filing of an FIR against Acharya, accusing him of inciting religious sentiments-allegations he has denied.
The legal landscape governing public expressions of anger towards Pakistan in India is shaped by the broader constitutional framework, sensitive political context, and relations between the two countries.
Legal Framework on Public Expression in India
India's Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), subject to "reasonable restrictions" in the interests of the country's sovereignty and integrity, public order, decency or morality, and friendly relations with foreign states. Expressions of anger towards Pakistan would be assessed under laws related to public order, hate speech, and incitement to violence. For example, sections of the Indian Penal Code such as Section 153A (promoting enmity between various groups) and Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) might be invoked if expressions are deemed inflammatory. The government may also impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to prevent assemblies or demonstrations if they believe they could lead to public disorder.
Recent Political and Security Context
After the devastating militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir in April 2025 that killed 26 civilians, there has been escalating tension and rising nationalist rhetoric in India blaming Pakistan for nurturing terrorism on Indian soil[1][2]. The Indian government enforced stringent diplomatic and strategic measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing border crossings, and expelling Pakistani diplomats[1][3]. Political leaders and public figures in India have made strong statements condemning Pakistan and advocating for harsh actions, which fueled nationalist sentiments and public anger towards Pakistan[2][4].
Practical Impact on Public Expression
Public expressions of anger towards Pakistan often take form in protests, rallies, or statements by political parties and civil society groups. While these are generally allowed, they must comply with laws on hate speech or incitement. The government's security agencies closely monitor such expressions to prevent them from escalating into violence or communal discord. Expressions that explicitly call for violence or are perceived as threatening Pakistan's diplomatic presence could face legal action or be curtailed by the authorities.
Given the current strained situation following recent attacks attributed to Pakistan-linked militants, expressions of anger are under increased scrutiny, and those that transgress legal boundaries may face consequences[1][4]. The government navigates the delicate balance between nurturing nationalist sentiments and maintaining law and order while preserving diplomatic norms.
- The women in the viral video from Kalaburagi, Karnataka were shown sympathizing with the Pakistani flag, as Zee News Managing Editor Rahul Sinha analyzed in today's episode of DNA.
- The Pakistani flags that were initially placed by Hindu activists protesting the Pahalgam attack were later removed by two Pakistani women, despite growing anti-Pakistan sentiment in the country.
- Crime and justice officials in India are evaluating expressions of anger towards Pakistan under laws related to public order, hate speech, and incitement to violence, as their legal landscape is shaped by the broader constitutional framework, sensitive political context, and relations between the two countries.
- In light of the increased nationalist rhetoric following the Pahalgam attack, public expressions of anger towards Pakistan are under increased scrutiny, and those transgressing legal boundaries may face consequences in both general news and crime and justice sectors.
