Leh:
In a controversial move, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has decided to adopt a new emblem similar to the national emblem replacing the Jammu and Kashmir logo.
In a unanimous resolution in this regard passed last week, the council adopted the symbol with the Ashoka Pillar which almost resembles the national emblem.
The council maintained that the decision was taken so as to give the emblem a more national look and the region a separate identity. Jammu and Kashmir has its own flag and emblem.
It also said that the inclusion of the new logo will help in promoting the hill council as a unique political dispensation for the people of Ladakh.
Reacting to the issue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his government will take a decision after examining the matter.
"We are examining the issue...We will examine the manner and take a decision," Omar said.
The Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), meanwhile, dubbed the decision to discard the state emblem as "unfortunate".