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Key Points

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised questions about the use of the national emblem on the Hazratbal Shrine plaque. He emphasized that government symbols should only be used at official functions, not religious places like mosques or temples. The controversy emerged after a viral video showed a mob defacing the national emblem on the shrine's foundation stone. BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi strongly condemned the vandalism, calling it a terrorist attack against the national symbol.

Key Points: Omar Abdullah Questions National Emblem on Hazratbal Shrine Plaque

  • Omar Abdullah questions national emblem placement on religious shrine plaque
  • CM emphasizes emblems belong only at government functions, not religious sites
  • Controversy follows viral video showing mob defacing national emblem
  • BJP leader condemns vandalism as terrorist attack against national symbol
2 min read

Govt emblems are not used at religious places: J-K CM Omar Abdullah questions use of national emblem on Hazratbal Shrine plaque

J-K CM Omar Abdullah questions national emblem use on Hazratbal Shrine plaque, says government symbols don't belong at religious places amid vandalism controversy.

"Government emblems are used only at government places. Mosques, dargahs, temples, Gurdwaras are not government places - Omar Abdullah"

Anantnag, September 6

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday questioned the use of the national emblem on the plaque of renovated Hazratbal Shrine, adding that he has never seen it used at any religious places.

He emphasised that government emblems are only used at government functions, not in religious places like Mosques, Dargahs, Temples, or Gurdwaras.

"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 just work not enough?" Omar Abdullah said.

This comes after a viral video had surfaced showing a mob defacing the national emblem inscribed on the foundation stone of the shrine, which is undergoing reconstruction and redevelopment under the Waqf Board.

"Hazratbal Shrine was given this form by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Did he put up such stones anywhere? People remember his work, despite his not putting up a stone for himself. Government emblems are used only at government places. Mosques, dargahs, temples, Gurdwaras are not government places; these are religious places; government emblems are not used there," Omar Abdullah said.

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

On Friday, BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi strongly condemned the vandalism of a stone plaque at the Assari Sharief Hazratbal Shrine, terming the incident a "very unfortunate".

Speaking to ANI, Andrabi said, "This incident is very unfortunate. Tarnishing the national emblem is a terrorist attack, and the attackers are the goons of a political party. These people destroyed Kashmir earlier as well, and now they have openly come inside the Dargah Sharif."

She added that a Waqf administrator present at the site narrowly escaped an attack, adding that the mob not only insulted the national emblem but also "damaged the dignity of the dargah."

Andrabi said, "Our administrator had a narrow escape. The mob attacked him as well... This mob has committed a huge crime by tarnishing the national emblem. They have damaged the dignity of the dargah, and once they are identified, they will be banned from entering the dargah for life, and an FIR will be filed against them."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the concern about appropriate use of national symbols, vandalism is never acceptable. There are proper channels to address such issues rather than destroying property.
P
Priya S
As an Indian Muslim, I feel this was unnecessary provocation. Religious places should remain above politics and government symbolism. The work should speak for itself without needing plaques with national emblems.
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Aman W
Both sides have valid points. The emblem placement was inappropriate, but the vandalism is condemnable. We need to respect both our national symbols and religious sentiments.
M
Michael C
Interesting cultural perspective. In many countries, government-funded restoration projects do include official markers. But I can see how in India's diverse religious landscape, keeping them separate makes sense.
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Nisha Z
Sheikh Abdullah's example says it all - real work doesn't need self-promotion. The government should focus on quality development rather than symbolic gestures that create unnecessary controversies.

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