Author: Anindita Sanyal
Publication: NDTV.com
Date: August 14, 2016
URL:   http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/out-to-hoist-tricolour-in-srinagar-kanhaiya-kumars-teen-challenger-foiled-1444130

Fifteen-year-old Jhanvi Behal, who trended on Twitter In March after challenging student leader Kanhaiya Kumar to a debate, had gone to Srinagar today, meaning to hoist the Tricolour on Independence Day. But her plans went awry when the authorities packed her off from the airport in view of the law and order situation in the state.

The teen activist, who had planned to hoist the flag at Lal Chowk, the city centre, said the authorities had requested her not to proceed with her plans, citing the possible dangers.

"I have given the flag to officers, who've assured they will unfurl the Tricolour in Srinagar on my behalf," she told the media.

Tension prevailed at the airport for a while as Ms Behal and her supporters carrying Indian flags, shouted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" slogans. In retaliation, some passengers also shouted anti-India slogans.

Sources said the situation in the airport is now under control.

Kashmir has been witnessing continuous protests for five weeks since the killing of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8. More than 50 people have died in clashes between the protesters and the security forces and over 5000 people have been injured.

The student from Ludhiana had drawn media attention after she challenged Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Kanhaiya Kumar to a debate. "Kanhaiya Ji, if you have so much mojo, go guard our borders and then talk of patriotism," she had told Mr Kumar through NDTV.