A Christian pastor in Kerala has been booked by police after a Pakistan national flag was displayed alongside 20 other country flags during a cultural event. The incident occurred in the Idukki district, where a local church organized a programme aimed at promoting global unity and prayer for nations.
Among the flags showcased was that of Pakistan, which triggered outrage from BJP members who filed a formal complaint. The pastor responsible for organizing the event now faces a police case under sections related to causing public mischief and hurting national sentiment.
The church clarified that the event’s intention was purely spiritual and not political, emphasizing that the flags represented nations the congregation was praying for. However, BJP leaders insisted the inclusion of the Pakistan flag was an intentional act of provocation and disrespect to India.
The controversy has sparked debate in Kerala about the limits of religious expression and the politicization of religious events. Activists and community leaders are calling for a measured response and urge authorities to consider the event’s peaceful and spiritual nature.
