A video featuring Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has gone viral online after he declined to cut a ribbon designed in the colours of the national flag during an event in Srinagar.
According to a report by NDTV, the incident took place at the 'Know Your Artisans' event held at Kashmir Haat. Abdullah, 56, was present to inaugurate the programme when he noticed that the ribbon placed for the ceremony was in saffron, white, and green colours.
What Happened At The Event?
As seen in the video, the Chief Minister approached the ribbon but paused upon noticing its design. He then instructed officials not to proceed with cutting it.
He said, "Ye nahi kaat sakte hum (We cannot cut this)," indicating that he would not cut a ribbon resembling the tricolour.
He further directed the organisers to remove the ribbon, saying, "Isko wahan se khol dijiye, dono side se khol dijiye (Please open it from there, open it from both sides)," while pointing towards the setup.
Following this, the ribbon was removed, and the inauguration proceeded without cutting it.
Abdullah was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and other officials during the event.
The video was widely shared on social media platforms, where several users reacted to the Chief Minister's decision.
One user wrote, "Compliments to Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah for his keen situational awareness and timely correction."
Another user commented, "I appreciate and respect your gesture Mr. Chief Minister. Thank you for setting an example. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!"
One user asked, "Who thought using the tricolor as a ribbon was a good idea? Are people in our country really this insensitive?"
Another comment read, "Omar Abdullah chose not to cut the tricolour ribbon... Did the organisers not think this through?"
Monica Verma, a PhD student in international relations, also reacted to the incident, raising similar concerns about the planning of the event.
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