Jammu And Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Refuses To Cut Tricolour Ribbon At Event, BJP Praises

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday refused to cut the tricolour ribbon, the symbol of the Indian national flag, at an inauguration ceremony of the government's 'Know Your Artisan' initiative. Later, he requested the organisers to untie the ribbon without breaking it and keep it safe.

What happen in the event?

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday was scheduled to inaugurate the ‘Know Your Artisans’ event, which aimed at promoting local craftsmanship, at Kashmir Haat in Srinagar.

After arriving for the event, the Chief Minister noticed that ribbon carried the colours of the national flag so he refused to cut the ceremonial ribbon and also asked the organisers to untie it.

In the video, Omar Abdullah can be seen helping them to untie the ribbon and later handing it to the organisers and requesting them to keep it respectfully.

He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and several others

#WATCH | Srinagar | Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah refuses to cut a tricoloured inaugural ribbon to mark the official opening of the two-day Handicrafts & Handloom Exhibition, instead asks the organisers to remove it and keep it safely pic.twitter.com/d2o6kYzKH2

— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2026

What did the BJP say?

BJP J&K spokesperson Altaf Thakur criticized the organisers and appreaciated the Chief Minister for refusing to cut the ribbon, saying the decision upheld the dignity of the national flag.

"Using the national flag as a ribbon to be cut during an inauguration reflects a serious lack of understanding and respect for its sanctity. This is not a minor oversight but a grave lapse. The officers who allowed or designed such an act must be identified and suspended. Exemplary punishment is necessary to ensure that such incidents are not repeated," he said.

“The CM’s refusal sends a powerful message that national symbols are above protocol and ceremonial practices. It reflects a deep sense of responsibility and respect towards the Tiranga,” he added.

How are the netizens reacting?

One user wrote, "Omar Abdullah Sahib! Your decision deserves all the praise. Well, in a country where politics is played on the basis of colour, politicians must always be vigilant and cautious."

Another user wrote, "You did the right thing. How can anyone cut up their beloved Indian flag? Anyone who even has such a thought should be dealt with severely."