J&K flag taken down from government buildings, vehicles

Official sources said that the flag was taken down by the order of authorities from the Civil Secretariat, Divisional Commissioner's office in Kashmir.
''The state flag was also taken down from government vehicles of all officials,'' they added.

The state also had two flags - national and state, which were part of every government building and vehicle of an high ranking officer. But, after the scrapping of the special status, the state, like rest of the country, will have only one flag.

On August 5, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government scrapped Article 370 and 35A that accorded the special status to the state.

Life in the valley remained crippled for the 21st successive day due to restrictions and strike.

The gag on means of communication, including landline, mobile phone and internet services, has further added to the sufferings of people, who are finding it difficult to get in touch with their family and friends, not just outside the valley, but within as well.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir was acceded to India through the instrument of accession in 1947, under which special status was granted by New Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir, under Article 370. The state had its own Prime Minister, President, Parliament and the Supreme Court.

However, amendments were made by New Delhi to Article 370, which was approved by the then State Assembly, under which the status of the state was downgraded in 1953.

The Prime Minister was downgraded to the Chief Minister, President to the Governor and Supreme Court to the High Court.