Soon after the farmers’ protest against the newly-enacted farm laws, majorly dominated by farmers from Punjab, started at various sites in Delhi, several allegations of Khalistani conspiracies
started doing the rounds on social media.

What added to the conspiracy theories was the hoisting of ‘Nishan Sahib’, a religious flag, atop the Red Fort. 

Also Read: Over 80 Delhi police officials injured in violence during farmers’ tractor rally: Police

As soon as the video surfaced online, several social media users, including the ones with verified accounts, claimed that the flags waved at the Red Fort were of ‘Khalistan.’

However, a video released by news agency ANI clearly shows that the flags hoisted at Red Fort had nothing to do with Khalistan and were Sikh religious flags.

Protesting farmers can clearly be seen holding Nishan Sahib flags along with yellow colored religious flags with a Khanda, an emblem of Sikhism printed on it.

Farmers hoisted flags at the Red Fort during the ‘Kisan Gantantra Parade’ amid the 72nd Republic Day celebrations, in New Delhi.  (Photo credit: PTI)
 Farmers hoisted flags at the Red Fort during the ‘tractor rally’ amid the 72nd Republic Day celebrations, in New Delhi. (Photo credit: PTI)

What is Nishan Sahib Flag?

The Nishan Sahib flag that can be seen on the doom of the Red Fort is a triangular saffron cloth with a blue Sikh Khanda in the middle.

The Khanda consists of a double-edged sword and a chakra.