Political and religious controversy escalates following desecration of the national emblem at Hazratbal Shrine in J-K, triggering public outcry.
Controversy Erupts at Srinagar's Hazratbal Shrine
A political controversy has arisen in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, surrounding the recent installation of a marble plaque during the renovation of the Hazratbal Shrine. The plaque features the Ashoka Pillar, India's national emblem, which has sparked widespread outrage among some locals who perceive its placement inside the mosque as a violation of Islamic principles.
The controversy has escalated into a heated debate, with various political figures expressing their views. Altaf Thakur, speaking at a rally, defended the BJP's stance, stating that the party believes in 'Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas' and that the vandalism of the emblem is against the Islamic religion.
Mehbooba Mufti, former Jammu and Kashmir CM and PDP Chief, emphasized that the Hazratbal Dargah is a revered religious shrine where no Muslim would tolerate any form of indiscipline. She requested the authorities to lodge an FIR under Section 295 of the Law against those responsible for placing the Ashoka Pillar plaque at the shrine and called for stringent action under the Blasphemy Act against those who damaged the plaque.
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the sitting MP of Srinagar parliament constituency, also condemned the placing of the plaque in the shrine. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, who facilitated the shrine's renovation, strongly condemned the vandalism of the plaque and called for action under the Public Safety Act (PSA) against those responsible.
Omar Abdullah, the current CM of Jammu and Kashmir, criticized the use of the national emblem at religious sites and questioned the need for the plaque. He stated that if Darakshan Andrabi facilitated the shrine's renovation, there was no need for her to display a plaque claiming credit.
An FIR has been registered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police against 15 people regarding the vandalism of plaques and the Ashoka Emblem at the Nigeen police station. The BJP Kashmir unit held a MILAD rally and raised Islamic slogans, stating that the way the emblem was attacked is a terrorist act.
Heavy deployment of police and CRPF was in place at the Hazratbal Shrine on Eid Milad, where thousands offered prayers peacefully. No voice was reported today at the shrine, with people appealing to Darakshan Andrabi not to be harsh to those who vandalized the plaque.
It is important to note that the Hazratbal Shrine, built by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, first received a plaque with the Ashoka Pillar in 1979. This recent controversy has brought renewed attention to the longstanding issue of the intersection of religion and politics in the region.
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