Srinagar: The main Independence Day function at the Bakhshi stadium Srinagar saw most of the people in the general stands remain seated when the Indian national anthem was played soon after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti unfurled the tricolour.
However, people sitting in the VIP enclosure, including high court judges, MLAs, MLCs, bureaucrats and office bearers of political parties, stood up.
Around 3,000 people were present in the stadium, which has a capacity of over 18,000.
The empty stands at the stadium came as a shock to the Uttar Pradesh Police contingent which was taking part in the parade for the first time in Kashmir.
UP Police contingent leader Deputy Superintendent of Police Sheodan Singh said “it was a disappointing sight to see such a small gathering at the main venue of Independence Day celebrations”.
