JK: BJP's remark on state flag creates uproar

Jammu, Jan 26: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today witnessed pandemonium in the Lower House over BJP's derogatory remark on the state flag.

BJP state President Ashok Khajuria offensive remarks on the state flag, which was raised in Assembly during last couple of days, created a pandemonium in the house and marred almost half of the question hour.

CPM member M Y Tarigami raised the issue in the House and said, ''Insult to the flag and the constitution is an insult to entire state and people.'' Mr Tarigami said the state flag was anybody's property and it's respect was everybody's constitutional duty.

Expressing concern over the matter, the National Conference members, including leader of opposition A R Rather, Mehboob Baig and Ali Mohammad Sagar, said the government observing silence despite directions from the chair was uncalled for and demanded a statement from the government.

The PDP members, including Sartaj Madni, Ghulam Hassan Khan and A R Veeri also showed similar concern on the matter.

BJP Member Jugal Kishore had earlier said it did not indulge in any insult to either the constitution or state flag.

Responding to the concerns and viewpoints raised by the members, Speaker Tara Chand said he had asked the government to take cognizance of the issue seriously.

He also made it clear that the state flag flying on government buildings and civil secretariat along with national flag represents the state and its people and it was the duty of every citizen to respect constitution and flag.

UNI