Flag hoisting row: Omar Abdullah refuses entry to BJYM

Srinagar, Jan 20 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has refused to give entry to the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), who have planned to hoist the national flag at the historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Republic Day.

"The decision was taken after Abdullah's meting with the state police officials," Times Now reports.

Earlier on Wednesday, Abdullah met Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram ahead of the BJP's planned 'ekta yatra' in the state, and raised concerns over the flag hoisting as the situation remains fragile in the state, and a minor incident or act might provoke the people of Kashmir.

Talking to reporters after meeting, Abdullah said: "I have given my assessment of the law and order situation regarding January 26 and the BJP"s ekta yatra, the Home Minister too has his assessment. I am not going to share the details of our plan."

He said since January 26 and August 15 are sensitive dates the state government will be in constant touch with the Home Ministry.

Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) national president Anurag Thakur is leading the Rashtriya Ekta Yatra - flagged off on January 12 at Kolkata and scheduled to reach Srinagar on January 26. The yatra will cover 3,037 km and enter the State on the afternoon of January 24 at Pathankot. (ANI)