National emblem at Hazratbal: Omar Abdullah slams BJP-led J&K government
What's the story
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized the use of the national emblem at religious places, following a recent incident at the Hazratbal shrine. The shrine, which is home to a relic of Prophet Mohammad, was defaced by a mob during Eid-e-Milad celebrations. They targeted a plaque with the Ashoka emblem that had been installed as part of recent renovations by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board.
Emblem controversy
Mosques, dargahs not government institutions: Abdullah
Abdullah questioned the necessity of placing a national emblem at Hazratbal, saying he had never seen such an act in religious places. He stressed that mosques, dargahs, temples, and gurdwaras are not government institutions and shouldn't have government emblems. "What was the compulsion to have the emblem on the stone at Hazratbal Shrine? What was the need to put up the stone?" he asked.
Response criticism
BJP leaders call Hazratbal incident a terrorist attack
The incident has sparked a political row in the region, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders calling it a terrorist attack and demanding action against those involved. Waqf Board Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi had called for legal action under the Public Safety Act (PSA) against the vandals. However, Abdullah slammed this response as an attempt to intimidate people instead of admitting their mistake.
PDP's stance
PDP slams PSA invocation
The People's Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has also slammed the decision to invoke the PSA. The party alleged that Muslims are being intentionally provoked and accused authorities of having a "punitive and communal mindset." Abdullah had earlier visited flood-affected areas in J&K, promising relief efforts to residents impacted by recent flooding events.