Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed government on Friday withdrew the controversial order on state flag after drawing the ire of the Congress. Government said that appropriate administrative action will be taken after enquiry into the circumstances leading to the issuance of the circular. The circular enjoined upon all the Constitutional Authorities to maintain the sanctity of the State Flag, at any costs, as is being done in respect of the Union Flag. Jammu and Kashmir has a separate constitution and separate flag unlike other states under special status.

"All the Constitutional Authorities are enjoined upon to maintain the sanctity of the State Flag, at all costs, as is being done in respect of the Union Flag", Commissioner Secretary to Government, General Administration Department (GAD), J&K, MA Bukhari said in the circular. He said, "the Flag shall always be hoisted jointly on the buildings housing Constitutional Institutions and shall be used on the official cars of Constitutional Authorities".

J&K Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Nirmal Singh said, "It was surprising for us, including the Chief Minister (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) that a circular has been issued with regard to the state flag. We don't know who did it. That is why the circular was withdrawn."

An official spokesman said, "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circular was not approved by the Competent Authority before issue of the same on 12th March, 2015 and as such stands withdrawn with immediate effect". "Appropriate administrative action will be taken after enquiry into the circumstances leading to the issuing of this circular", he added.

By Premji