Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir police have initiated an inquiry against an individual for not standing up during the playing of the National Anthem during Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday. However, the police in Srinagar have not identified the individual in its statement.
According to Srinagar Police, a preliminary enquiry by an SP rank officer under section 173 (3) of the BNSS has been initiated, and electronic evidence is being analysed for further course of legal action.
Incident happened during Omar’s Oath taking
Sources have told News9live that the individual is Hilal Akbar Lone, a National Conference MLA from Sonawari. There have been allegations against him that he was found not standing for the National Anthem on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Lone has clarified that could not stand up due to a medical condition.
However, just a couple of hours before the incident, he was allegedly seen standing while giving interviews to the Press and media.
‘Had no intention’
Lone has also said that he had no intention to insult the national anthem during Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s oath-taking ceremony at the SKICC in Srinagar and was instead forced to sit down due to back pain.
“It’s not a crime to remain seated during the national anthem, as per a Supreme Court observation. I had no intention to insult the anthem, and as a legislator, I would never do so. I had valid medical reasons for sitting down,” Lone added.
