‘Couldn’t stand up due to medical condition’
The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar, (TDD) As J&K police collects electronic evidence fo the legal action, National Conference leader and MLA from Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, today said that he couldn’t stand up during the national anthem at the chief minister Omar Abdullah’s oath-taking ceremony at the SKICC in Srinagar, due to his medical condition. He also said that he had no intention to insult the national anthem.
“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 told reporters.
Earlier, reports said that Jammu and Kashmir administration ordered an inquiry against Hilal Akbar Lone for remaining seated during the national anthem at Omar Abdullah’s oath-taking ceremony yesterday
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to Omar Abdullah and his council ministers at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Police said that they have taken cognizance of an incident where an individual didn’t stand up during the National Anthem.
In a post on X, the police said that “Police have taken cognizance of an incident where an individual did not stand up during the playing of the National Anthem. 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.– (TDD)