Republic Day Flag Hoisting Dispute Sparks Major Controversy at IIT-ISM Dhanbad
A significant controversy erupted in Dhanbad on Republic Day when security personnel at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad (IIT-ISM) prevented local street vendors from hoisting the national flag near the institute's main entrance. This unexpected intervention triggered immediate protests and raised serious questions about jurisdictional authority and community rights during national celebrations.
Incident Details and Vendor Accounts
The incident unfolded on Monday morning at the bustling mini-market area located just outside IIT-ISM's main gate, an area traditionally frequented by numerous street vendors who have operated there for decades. According to multiple vendor accounts, they were engaged in routine preparations for Republic Day celebrations, a practice they have maintained for years without interruption.
Security officer Ram Manohar reportedly informed the vendors that they were not permitted to hoist the national flag at that location. The official justification provided was ongoing construction work near the main gate, which allegedly posed safety concerns that necessitated the restriction.
Vendor Allegations and Jurisdictional Dispute
The street vendors strongly contested the security officer's claims, asserting that no construction activity was actually underway on Republic Day. They accused the IIT-ISM administration of using safety concerns as a convenient pretext to assert what they characterized as "illegal control" over land that falls outside the institute's legitimate jurisdiction.
Mahesh Kumar Singh, popularly known as Mani, a vendor who has operated his shop in the area for many years, played a pivotal role in escalating the matter. Singh promptly informed local BJP leader Mukesh Pandey about the incident, who then contacted IIT-ISM deputy director Dhiraj Kumar by telephone to address the situation.
Administrative Intervention and Resolution
After reviewing the circumstances, Deputy Director Dhiraj Kumar granted permission for the vendors to proceed with their flag hoisting ceremony. Kumar explained that the initial restriction had been implemented due to perceived construction-related safety issues near the main gate. "When I came to know the full facts, I immediately ordered that permission be granted to the vendors," Kumar stated, acknowledging the need for corrective action once he became aware of the complete situation.
Persisting Resentment and Broader Implications
Despite this administrative resolution, palpable resentment continued among the vendor community. They maintained their position that IIT-ISM authorities had overstepped their jurisdictional boundaries. Singh emphasized, "The place where we were hoisting the flag is outside the IIT-ISM campus. It belongs to the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation, not the institute."
The controversy highlights several important issues:
- The delicate balance between institutional authority and community rights during national celebrations
- Questions regarding jurisdictional boundaries between educational institutions and municipal authorities
- The importance of clear communication between security personnel and local communities
- Traditional practices versus institutional regulations in shared public spaces
This incident serves as a reminder of how seemingly routine national celebrations can become flashpoints for broader discussions about authority, jurisdiction, and community rights in urban spaces where multiple stakeholders coexist.
