NC MLA sparks controversy by not standing for national anthem; cites health reasons [Video]

Within hours after Omar Abdullah took oath as Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a controversy erupted over behaviour of the National Conference MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, who reportedly did not stand during the national anthem on Wednesday.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the Union Territory administration started investigating the MLA Lone for not standing during the national anthem at Omar Abdullah’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister.

Hilal Akbar Lone, representing the Sonawari Assembly constituency in Bandipora district, didn’t stand when the national anthem played at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre.

Lone cites health reasons for not standing during national anthem

Amid controversy, 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 …