Hilal Akbar Lone denies disrespecting national anthem

SRINAGAR — Clarifying his stance on the controversy surrounding his actions during the playing of the national anthem at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s oath ceremony, Hilal Akbar Lone on Thursday said that he had no intention to disrespect either the Constitution or the national anthem.

While speaking to the news agency KNS, Lone said that he developed a cramp during the anthem, which led to him sitting down briefly before standing up again.

“I had no intention to insult the Constitution of India or the national anthem. During the anthem, I developed a cramp and sat down for a moment due to back pain,” he said.

He added that Suhail Bukhari, a colleague who accompanied him to lunch after the incident, was a witness to his physical discomfort.

Lone said that there was no offence committed as per the Supreme Court’s observation, which states that it is not an offence if someone does not stand during the national anthem unless there is a disruption or ruckus created.

“There is a Supreme Court observation regarding the national anthem. If a person doesn’t stand up while it is being played, it is no offence. But creating a ruckus or disruption while it is being played is an offence,” he added.

Responding to questions about whether he had been contacted regarding the incident, Lone said he was ready to face any probe and had medical evidence to support his claim of back pain. “So far, I have not been contacted as yet. If they contact me, I am ready to face the probe. I have the evidence as regards the ailment I have,” he said.

Lone further said that he is committed to ensuring that the issue does not harm his party or embarrass his Chief Minister.