SRINAGAR: National Conference leader and MLA from Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, on Thursday clarified 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 said that he was forced to remain seated 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 said.
Earlier, reports indicated that the Jammu and Kashmir administration had ordered an inquiry into Hilal Akbar Lone’s decision to remain seated during the national anthem at Omar Abdullah’s oath-taking ceremony.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to Omar Abdullah and his council of ministers at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar.
