Disrespect of J&K flag by BJP activists a ''serious crime'': NC

Srinagar, Jan 27 (PTI) Ruling National Conferencetoday slammed the BJP activities for disrespecting the Jammuand Kashmir flag, terming it as a "serious crime" against thestate and Indian constitution.

Agitated BJP workers yesterday gheraoed the FinanceMinister Abdul Rahim Rather''s cavalcade and took off the stateflag from his vehicle. The activists also allegedly tried totear the flag.

"Disrespect of the state flag is a serious crimeunder the state constitution and Indian constitution," seniorNC leader Mustafa Kamal said in a statement and demandedaction against the activists.

NC Parliamentarians Mohammad Shafi Uri, Sharif-ud-dinShariq, Mehboob Beigh, state minister Ali Mohammad Sagar andMubarak Gul also condemned the incident in another statement.

"The state flag is our national symbol and people ofKashmir have sacrificed themselves to uphold its sanctity,"the NC leaders said.

BJP has been advocating abrogation of Article 370 ofthe Indian constitution which grants special status to Jammuand Kashmir, including a separate flag and constitution.

The gherao Rather''s cavalcade took place hours afterthe state government foiled the plan of BJP to hoist thetricolour at Lal Chowk here.