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Key Points

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh strongly condemned the vandalism of Ashoka Stambh at Hazratbal shrine, calling it a national symbol. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the appropriateness of placing the national emblem at a religious site. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti labeled the installation as blasphemous and demanded action against those responsible. Meanwhile, religious leaders called for a proper inquiry into the incident that has sparked controversy across political and religious lines.

Key Points: Rajiv Ranjan Singh Demands Punishment for Ashoka Stambh Vandalism at Hazratbal

  • Union Minister demands punishment for Ashoka Stambh vandalism at Hazratbal shrine
  • Omar Abdullah questions national emblem placement at religious sites
  • PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti calls installation blasphemous and demands action
  • Imam Usmani alleges religious place turned into political ground
2 min read

Ashoka Stambh is national symbol.. if anyone damages it, they should be punished: Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Hazratbal incident

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh condemns vandalism of Ashoka Stambh at Hazratbal shrine, calls it national symbol. Omar Abdullah questions emblem placement at religious site.

"The Ashoka Stambh is the national symbol of our country. If anyone damages it, they should be punished. - Rajiv Ranjan Singh"

Patna, September 7

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh on Sunday criticised the vandalism of the Ashoka Stambh at the Hazratbal shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, and said it is a national symbol of our country, and anyone responsible for damaging it should be punished.

Speaking to the reporters, Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh said, "The Ashoka Stambh is the national symbol of our country. If anyone damages it, they should be punished."

A controversy erupted at the revered Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar when a mob vandalised the Ashoka Emblem on the foundation stone, sparking a heated debate about national symbols and religious sentiments.

The Hazratbal Shrine is a revered religious site in Srinagar, housing the holy relic of the Prophet Mohammad.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the use of the national emblem at the shrine and said, "The first question is whether the emblem should have been etched on the foundation stone. I have never seen the emblem being used in any religious place. So, what was the compulsion to have the emblem on the stone at Hazratbal Shrine? What was the need to put up the stone? Was work not enough?"

National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq criticised the installation of the Ashoka Emblem, stating it violated Islamic principles that forbid idol worship.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti demanded action against those responsible, labelling the installation as "blasphemous" and calling for the disbandment of the Waqf Board.

Imam Bashir Ahamed Usmani of Jamia Masjid Aallain Talab, Udhampur, demanded an inquiry into vandalism at the Hazratbal shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that a religious place has been turned into a "political ground".

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Imam Usmani called the act of defacing the national emblem inscribed on the foundation stone of the newly renovated shrine an attempt to spread "terrorism".

He said, "The festival was being celebrated when the goons tried to spread terrorism there. We want a proper inquiry into this to know who the people were who created this mess in Hazratbal. There should be such an inquiry that the people who were the masterminds behind this are also found, even if they are political or religious leaders. These people have turned a religious place into a political ground."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I respect religious sentiments, why put a national emblem on a religious shrine in the first place? This seems like unnecessary provocation. Both sides need to show more sensitivity.
R
Rohit P
Absolutely agree with the Minister! National symbols deserve respect regardless of where they are placed. Vandalism cannot be justified under any circumstances. Punish the guilty!
M
Michael C
This seems like a classic case of poor planning. Why install a national emblem at a religious site knowing it might cause controversy? Authorities should have been more thoughtful.
S
Shreya B
As an Indian, I'm deeply disappointed. We should respect both our national symbols and religious places. The real culprits are those who created this unnecessary conflict between faith and patriotism.
K
Kavya N
The Imam is right - religious places shouldn't become political battlegrounds. Both the installation and the vandalism seem politically motivated. Common people just want peace and harmony. 🙏

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