A controversy has hit the Omar Abdullah government on its first day in office with Jammu and Kashmir police launching an inquiry against an “individual” who purportedly did not stand up during the national anthem on Wednesday.

The cops have not named the “individual” or the event where it took place but some media reports, which were not denied by the police, claimed the inquiry was ordered into the conduct of National Conference MLA Hilal Akbar Lone during Omar’s swearing-in ceremony.

If the reports are true, they suggest that the lieutenant governor's administration is unwilling to relax its iron-fist policy on activities deemed anti-national by it, even if they involve members of the government.

Earlier in July, the Union home ministry had amended the rules of the J&K Reorganisation Act, giving the LG unbridled powers over the police, public order, all-India services and the anti-corruption bureau.

The NC MLA said he did not stand up during the national anthem but added that “back pain”, and not disrespect, was to blame. He said he tried to stand up but the pain forced him to remain seated.

“The police have taken cognizance of an incident where an individual did not stand up during the playing of the National Anthem. A preliminary Enquiry by an SP-rank officer under Section 173 (3) of the BNSS has been initiated, and electronic evidence is being analysed for further course of legal action,” Srinagar police said on X.