by Nisar Rasool
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched an investigation into Hilal Akbar Lone, a National Conference (NC) MLA representing the Sonawari Assembly constituency, for reportedly remaining seated during the national anthem at Omar Abdullah’s swearing-in ceremony.
According to official sources, the inquiry was prompted after several attendees, including Lone, did not stand when the anthem was played during the event at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on Wednesday.
To verify the incident, authorities have reviewed CCTV footage from the ceremony. When confronted, Lone claimed he did not stand due to a medical condition. However, reports indicate that he was seen standing and speaking to the press just a few hours before the ceremony.
Officials confirmed that they will conduct a thorough examination of the footage to identify all individuals who did not stand for the anthem.
Omar Abdullah was sworn in as Chief Minister by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Along with him, five MLAs—Surinder Choudhary, Sakina Itoo, Javaid Ahmad Rana, Javaid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma—were also sworn in as ministers in his new council.
