'Is tricolour hoisting in JK anti-national?'

Srinagar, Jan 23: A decision by the main Opposition party BJP to hoist tricolour in Srinagar on the Republic Day (Jan 26) divided the political parties and raised controversy in the nation.

After Prime Minister Manmohan Singh broke his silence on the controversial move by BJP - "ekta yatra", BJP asked the PM, "hoisting the national flag anywhere in India is 'anti-national'?"

Jammu Kashmir's CM Omar Abdullah reiterated his request to the BJP workers to withdraw their decision which may harm the long-awaited peace of the state.

Stating on the issue, PM claimed, "It is all the more important to observe maximum restraint, particularly in a sensitive State like Jammu and Kashmir."

The PM also asserted that Republic Day should not be treated as an occasion to score political points, to embarrass state and local administrations, to create situations that could lead to entirely avoidable problems, or to promote divisive agendas.

However, criticising PM's intervention in the issue, BJP claimed, "We are taken aback by the stand taken by the Prime Minister virtually siding with those, who are opposing hoisting the national flag and voicing anti-India sentiments."

The party also stated, " It is not only disappointing, but the Prime Minister has let down the nation by making statement, which is unbelievable. Instead of supporting a nationalist cause and crusade launched by the BJP, the Prime Minister has sadly preferred to disapprove of it."

OneIndia News