Jammu Kashmir's logo faces threat

Leh, Feb 27: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) courted another fresh controversy. The self-governing body had announced that it will adopt an insignia similar to the national emblem replacing the Jammu and Kashmir's logo.

The announcement of the LAHDC immediately drew flack from PDP which said that it will strive to protect the state's unique identity.

In a unanimous resolution in this regard passed last week, the council adopted the symbol with the Ashoka Pillar which almost resembles the national emblem.

An LAHDC councillor said the decision was taken so as to give the emblem a more national look. Jammu and Kashmir has its own flag and emblem.

The councillor said the inclusion of the new logo will help in promoting the hill council as a unique political dispensation for the people of Ladakh.

Reacting to the issue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his government will take a decision after examining the matter.

"We are examining the issue. After all, it is a local municipality. Even the Srinagar municipality has a different emblem. We will examine the manner and take a decision," Omar told PTI.

Opposition Peoples Democratic party (PDP) termed the move to discard the state emblem by LAHDC as "unfortunate".

"PDP will fight any attempt to dilute the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under the Constitution. Leh is part of the state. The emblem controversy is unfortunate," PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said.

She claimed ruling National Conference has bartered away all the state's financial resources and institutions and there was need "to protect the unique identity of the state".

Mehbooba also said the PDP is fully behind the Private Member's bill planned to be tabled by party MLA from Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat for hoisting the state flag alongside the tricolour.

The 32-member LAHDC also passed a resolution for inclusion of Bodhi language in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution without any opposition.

PTI