Congress Protests in Gurugram Over FIRs on Workers Who Showed Black Flags to CM

Leaders and workers of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee, led by state president Rao Narender Singh, staged a demonstration in Gurugram against the registration of FIRs against Indian Youth Congress and National Students' Union of India workers who allegedly waved black flags at Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during his visit to the city on August 21.

Following the demonstration, Congress leaders submitted a memorandum to the Gurugram Police Commissioner, demanding immediate, transparent, and impartial action in the matter.

Mr. Singh demanded the complete withdrawal of the FIRs registered against the youth and student leaders, as well as the district presidents of Gurugram Rural and Gurugram Urban. He also called for an immediate halt to the alleged harassment and intimidation of Congress workers and their families.

In the memorandum, the party sought independent medical examinations for youth workers, student leaders, and district presidents who have alleged assault or mistreatment while in police custody. Mr. Singh further urged the police administration to preserve CCTV footage from relevant locations and initiate legal and departmental action against police personnel found responsible for any wrongdoing.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Singh maintained that the right to peacefully protest and express one’s views is fundamental to a democracy. He warned that the alleged misuse of the police apparatus to suppress political dissent would not be accepted, stating that youth workers, students, and district presidents are the voice of democracy.

Gurugram Police had previously arrested eight Congress workers on charges including obstructing VIP security arrangements, disrupting government duty, and attempting to halt the Chief Minister’s convoy while showing black flags. The demonstration was reportedly linked to concerns regarding infrastructure at Gurugram University.

Following the August 21 incident, show-cause notices were issued to the Deputy Commissioners of Police for West and Crime to fix responsibility. Orders were also issued to suspend the Station House Officer of Civil Lines Police Station along with several personnel deployed with him, while a departmental inquiry was ordered against the Intelligence In-charge.