Fifteen spectators were detained at the Police Martyrs’ Football Tournament in Srinagar on Tuesday after they reportedly did not stand during the national anthem, officials said. The incident occurred during the final at the Synthetic Turf Football Ground in TRC, which was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
According to sources, the national anthem was played by a live band as per protocol. Officials from the Kothibagh Police Station later detained 15 individuals from the stands for failing to rise during the anthem.
Family members of the detained spectators said the incident was unintentional. “The national anthem was played by a band, and from where they were sitting, the sound was very low and unclear,” said one parent, who requested anonymity. “They simply did not hear the anthem begin and were therefore unable to stand in time. It was a genuine mistake, not intentional disrespect.”
Officials said that showing respect by standing during the national anthem is mandatory under protocol, and intentional disrespect is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Authorities said that an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident.
