The issue of standing during the National Anthem is not a new topic of debate. It has surfaced multiple times in India, highlighting the importance of respecting national symbols that bind the country together.
The recent controversy involving Akbar Hilal Lone, MLA from Sonawari and son of former Speaker of J&K Legislative Assembly Mohammad Akbar Lone, has once again brought this issue to the forefront. During the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister of J&K UT, Omar Abdullah at SKICC Srinagar on October 16, Akbar Hilal Lone chose not to stand from his seat while the National Anthem was being played, sparking a widespread controversy.
This act, perceived by many as disrespectful, has now drawn the attention of law enforcement, with the police reportedly investigating the incident. While some may argue that such incidents are blown out of proportion, the fact remains that these actions carry symbolic weight, especially in a region as sensitive as Jammu and Kashmir.
Akbar Hilal Lone’s behavior seems to reflect a continuation of his family’s ideological stance. His father, Mohammad Akbar Lone, had stirred a similar controversy in 2018 when he raised the “Pakistan Zindabad” slogan in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The then Speaker of Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta issued “breach of privilege’’ notice to former Speaker and National Conference three-time MLA from Sonawari, Mohammad Akbar Lone for raising slogan of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ inside the Assembly on February 10. The incident created such a furor that it led the Supreme Court to direct him, when he was the Lok Sabha member in 2023, to swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, unconditionally affirming the country’s sovereignty.
Despite this, the mindset seems to persist within certain political circles, as demonstrated by the recent actions of his son.
Akbar Hilal Lone’s actions are not unprecedented; they reflect a longstanding mindset deeply rooted in his family’s political legacy. He is merely following in the footsteps of his father, continuing a tradition of defiance against national symbols. This mentality is not limited to the Lone family alone—many Kashmir-centric leaders share a similar ideology. They have consistently implied, through their political discourse, a narrative that views Kashmir as a separate entity, subtly promoting and nurturing this sentiment among their supporters, both within and outside India.
Such leaders, long accustomed to power, have struggled to adapt in the post-Article 370 landscape, which has drastically altered the political dynamics of the region. For the last six years, the Modi government has effectively sidelined them, much to their frustration.
These leaders, while powerless, appear to be holding on to the same divisive ideologies that have historically harmed the unity and integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. The refusal to stand for the National Anthem or raising anti-India slogans cannot be viewed in isolation—they are reflective of a deeper resistance to change and acceptance of the nation’s unity.
However, this defiance cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. Respect for national symbols like the Anthem is not a matter of personal choice, but a constitutional duty. Every citizen, regardless of their political views, must adhere to this basic principle. The law must take its course in addressing this issue, and society should collectively denounce such actions that undermine the integrity of the country.
As India moves forward, there is no place for divisiveness or narratives that seek to distance any part of the country from the whole. Kashmir is an integral part of India, and leaders who aspire to hold public office must embrace this reality wholeheartedly. Disrespecting national symbols is not just an act against the state—it is an insult to the unity, culture, and spirit of India.
