Rashid alleges CM Mufti of bowing down to BJP, says no compromise over state flag issue

Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) president and MLA Langate, Engineer Rashid on Saturday criticized Mufti Sayeed led PDP- BJP government for withdrawing the circular that had asked the constitutional authorities to maintain the sanctity of the state flag, in the same manner as the national flag.

“PDP and Mufti Sayeed are succumbing under the pressure of Hindutva brigade of BJP,” he said, adding that the government justification of its decision that the circular was not approved by a “competent authority” tantamount to rubbing salt on the wounds of Kashmiris. This withdrawal of circular is blatant violation of constitutional norms and flouts all the prescribed rules and regulations, he added.

“The issue of our own National Anthem and having our own State Flag holds key importance to the existence of every sane citizen of Jammu and Kashmir and no compromise would be made over it,” Rashid said. “We will protest with all force and not tolerate any onslaught on our constitutional rights,” he added.

Describing the circular issued by the government as the first bold step taken by the government, he said that “it is becoming evidently clear that Mufti Sayeed for the lust of power has totally bowed down and BJP is virtually playing with the Constitution of J&K”. This flag needed to be placed atleast on Kashmir Houses located in Delhi, Chandigarh etc., but now efforts are made to do away with it even in the state as a part of a larger conspiracy, he added.

Source:: Indian Express