MLA unfurls JK flag; asks govt to declare June 7 as state flag day
Amid Pakistan flag, Khalistan poster debate…
As the Jammu and Kashmir remains entangled in the controversies of waving Pakistani flag and Khalistan posters, Awami Itehad Party (AIP) chief and MLA Langate, Er Rashid today observed Kashmir Flag Day by unfurling State’s red flag with white plough and three white line at a function held at Pratap Park in Srinagar.
Waving of Pakistani flags in the rallies of some separatist leader in Kashmir Valley and recent posters of Bhindrawale and Khalistan in Jammu have generated a hot debate in the country.
Amidst this debate, Er Rashid Sunday held a flag raising ceremony at Pratap Park in Srinagar and unfurled the J&K’s state’s flag.
Addressing the gathering, Rashid said the Union government should restore the 1952 Delhi Agreement in letter and spirit and demanded that June 7 be declared as State flag day.
“Those who cry for ‘Ek Vidan, Ek Pradhan and Ek Nishan’ are unaware of the history and need to learn that Jammu & Kashmir is entirely a different state its relationship with Delhi is conditional.”
“Kashmiris will not rest unless 1952 Delhi agreement is restored and respected by New Delhi in letter and spirit…,” he said.
Rashid had organised a function for hoisting the Jammu and Kashmir flag at Pratap Park near City centre Lal Chowk here. As the State flag was unfurled during the function, large number of people who had assembled there stood up to pay respect to the State flag and sang J&K Anthem “Lehra Aye Kashmir Ke Jhande…”
After hoisting the flag, Rashid moved a resolution seeking June 7 be declared state flag day and government declare it as a gazetted holiday so that everybody can celebrate the day at various places.
The resolution was unanimously passed and it was decided to send the copies to the government for implementing the contents of the resolution.
As per the Delhi Agreement of 1952, the State flag has the same sanctity and position as the Union flag has under the Indian Constitution.
Rashid also appealed to the High Court to take suo motu cognisance in this regard and ensure that the dignity of the State flag and Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is restored.
“…Let us ensure that the state flag is hoisted in Kashmir House Delhi and at all other constitutional and administrative offices,” he said.
Rashid asked the ruling PDP and Opposition National Conference to have at least a united stand in protecting the significance of the State flag.
Earlier in March, a controversy had broken out here over a circular regarding the State flag, following which the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government withdrew the same.
Addressing the gathering, castigated the government for revoking the circular that had talked of sporting of Sate flag on all constitutional and administrative offices, in government functions and on the ministers’ vehicles.
Er Rashid said “those who cry for ‘Ek Vidan, Ek Pradhan and Ek Nishan’ are unaware of the history and need to learn that Jammu & Kashmir is entirely a different state its relationship with Delhi is conditional.”
He said Delhi “can deceive world but not history; Kashmiris will not rest unless 1952 Delhi agreement is restored and respected by New-Delhi in letter and spirit, failing which Kashmiris will also be forced to rethink their relationship with India.”
On the rightwing demands about abrogation of Article 370, MLA Langate said “the Article 370 which they term as bone of contention is a weak bond that keeps J&K linked with India; if this law is abrogated then we shall in no way be associated with India.”
