KL Report
SRINAGAR
In a surprising move, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed led coalition government Friday withdraws the order in which it was stated to ‘maintain sanctity of state flag’ within twenty four hours of its issuance.
Not only the order was withdrawn, but according to spokesman, “appropriate administrative action will be taken after enquiry into the circumstances leading to the issuing of this circular.”
Pertinent to mention the order was issued by Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari (IAS), Commissioner/Secretary government General Administration Department.
Citing reason, the official spokesman said that State Government is pursuing a court case since December 11, 2013 in the J&K High Court wherein the petitioner has prayed for a direction that the Republic Day of the State of J&K should be celebrated when the State Constitution was adopted and became enforceable. It was also prayed that all the constitutional authorities be commanded to use the Flag of the State in all their official cars, offices and buildings with dignity and honor demonstrating the sanctity of the Flag.
The spokesman added that the State Government had not responded to the case and had not filed a reply as desired by the Court. The court gave a last chance to the State Government to file a reply on or before it comes up for hearing which was expected to be anytime now.
The spokesman further added that in order to avoid any adverse order in a sensitive Constitutional matter, the State Government intended to file an affidavit in the Court today contesting all the pleas made by the petitioner. In the affidavit, it stated that it will issue a circular reiterating the respect that is to be accorded to the Union as also the State Flag taking recourse to J&K Prevention of Insult to the State Honour Act, 1979, in the latter case.
“The draft of the circular was not approved by the Competent Authority before issue of the same on 12th March, 2015 and as such stands withdrawn with immediate effect,” spokesman adds.
The order of ‘maintaining sanctity of state flag’ was well received and seen as bold step by Mufti led coalition government to strengthen the special status of Jammu and Kashmir within constitution of India.
