Pakistan fears it could be used for 'spying'.
Published: Sun 5 Mar 2017, 7:04 PM
Updated: Sun 5 Mar 2017, 9:45 PM
India has just hoisted the nation's tallest flag and Pakistani is not 'happy' about it.
According to local reports, the 360 feet flag was hoisted on Sunday at the famous Indo-Pak (Attari-Wagah) border checkpost in Punjab. The new flag can be seen from Lahore in Pakistan.
The new flag is 120 feet in length, 80 feet in breadth and is hosted on a pole which is 360 feet high. The concrete base is 30 feet in length and another 30 feet in breadth. The foundation has been designed in such a way that the flag will be able to withstand high velocity winds up to 180 km an hour, said sources.
Punjab Local Bodies Minister and senior BJP leader Anil Joshi hoisted the flag, according to reports.
"The contract for maintenance of the flag has been given to a private company for three years."
The flag is expected to attract tourists who visit the Attari border to watch the famous Beating the Retreat ceremony between the two countries.
The cost of the project, borne by the Amritsar Improvement Trust, was around Rs36 million.
Interestingly, the flag - based on motorized mechanism - will be lowered only in case of wear and tear.
Pakistan Objects
Pakistan Rangers have already objected to the installation of the flag and conveyed the same to the BSF and had asked them to install the flag away from the border, said sources.
The neighbour has called the act a violation of international treaties.
Pakistan authorities apparently fear that India could use the mast to spy in Pakistani land by installing cameras on the flag pole.
Not violating any treaty
India has made it clear that the flat was being installed 200 metres before the zero line and was not a violation in any manner.
"Not to my knowledge. It is our national flag and nobody can stop us from hoisting it on our soil," said Joshi.
The decision to install tallest tricolour at the Attari border was taken by the Amritsar Improvement Trust.
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