Reports of No Independence Day Celebrations in Government Schools in Border Areas Are Extremely Serious and Sensitive: Randhawa
Punjab Government Must Clarify if Celebrations Were Not Held Due to Security Reasons
City Air News
Aug 19, 2026 07:37
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If There Was Any Security Input or Threat, It Must Be Thoroughly Investigated
Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: Punjab’s former Deputy Chief Minister and Member of Parliament, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, has expressed serious concern over reports that Independence Day celebrations were not held at some government schools in villages located in Punjab’s border areas. He said that if Independence Day celebrations were not organised at government schools in border areas due to security reasons, it would be an extremely serious and sensitive matter. This reflects the government’s failure. The NHRC has also sought a report from the Punjab Government on the matter within four weeks.
Randhawa said that Independence Day is a festival of pride and national spirit for every citizen of the country, particularly for students. In such circumstances, the Punjab Government must clarify whether Independence Day celebrations at these schools could not be held due to any security-related threat. If there was indeed a security challenge, the state government should make the information public and explain what steps were taken to ensure the safety of students and school staff. If there was any security-related input or threat, it must be thoroughly investigated and necessary action taken.
He said that Punjab’s border areas are extremely important from the perspective of national security. If any kind of security threat has emerged there, it cannot simply be ignored as an issue concerning only the state government. The Centre and the Punjab Government should jointly review the situation immediately and ensure the necessary security arrangements. It is the government’s responsibility to maintain transparency throughout the matter and make the actual situation known to the people of Punjab.
He said that the citizens living in the border areas of Punjab and the children studying there are equally important citizens of the country. Ensuring their safety and safeguarding the dignity of national festivals must be a top priority of the government. There can be no negligence in this regard.
