Srinagar, Jan 27:  Ruling National Conference today slammed the BJP activists for disrespecting the Jammu and Kashmir flag, terming it as a "serious crime" against the state and Indian constitution.
 Agitated BJP workers yesterday had gheraoed the Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather's cavalcade and took off the state flag from his vehicle. The activists had also allegedly tore the flag.
 "Disrespect of the state flag is a serious crime under the state constitution and Indian constitution," senior NC leader Mustafa Kamal said in a statement and demanded action against the activists.
 NC Parliamentarians Muhammad Shafi Uri, Sharif-ud-din Shariq, Mehboob Beigh, and Mubarak Gul also condemned the incident in another statement.
 "The state flag is our national symbol and people of Kashmir have sacrificed themselves to uphold its sanctity," the NC leaders said.

13 BJP ACTIVISTS ARRESTED
At least 13 activists of BJP and its youth wing BJYM have been arrested in connection with the attack on cavalcade of JK Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather here.
 The BJP and BJYM activists were taken into custody from various places in the city, police said, adding they were booked under sections 147, 148 and 353 (unlawful assembly, disruption of movement and attack) of Ranbir Panel Code (RPC).

Lastupdate on : Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST