Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Jan 26: In an incident which was bizarre that put the district administration to shame, at the district level Republic Day celebration organized at the municipal stadium here on Wednesday January 26, the national flag was unfurled upside down.

The incident is likely to give rise to bitter repercussions as hoisting of the tricolour upside down is considered to be a serious violation.

After the mistake was noticed, the flag was hoisted, duly correcting the blunder. State minister for sports, Ahmed Devar Kovil, had unfurled the flag.

The mistake was noticed by the officials and dignitaries only after the flag salute was rendered, and the media persons pointed out the mistake. The flag was then brought down, set right, and hoisted again.

The fact that such a goof up was not noticed by the officials, minister, district superintendent of police and others till the minister inspected the guard of honour, is treated as a serious lapse. MP, MLAs and other people's representatives were also present.

After the programme, the minister summoned district superintendent of police, Vaibhav Saxena, and additional superintendent of police, M K Ramendran, and expressed unhappiness about the blunder. The additional district magistrate has ordered for an investigation into the incident. MP Rajmohan Unnithan and other leaders have demanded for action against the guilty.