"The phenomenon of these flags is nothing new. I have never said that this is something that suddenly started during this government. It certainly happened during my government as well possibly and probably the frequency was less. And also the amount of attention that it got was less," he said.
"Now why this is happening and how it has to be dealt with is an issue for the state government. My concern is a wider one and that the incidents like these have a very damaging effect on tourism.
The National Conference president said it was the media which was giving much attention to the issue.
"Why is it an issue these days I have to ask you (media). Because please realize that we are asked to react to questions that you pose. It is your channels and your anchors that decide to have one hour long discussions on this issue. It is not us that suo-motto go to your editors and channel people and say that please call us as we want to discuss this issue," he said.