BJP, NC, Waqf Clash Over Hazratbal Shrine Emblem: The Full Controversy Explained

A political uproar has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir due to the engraving of the national emblem on a renovation plaque at Srinagar's Hazratbal shrine. This incident has provoked strong reactions from political parties and religious leaders. The controversy resulted in vandalism of the plaque, police intervention, and calls for the removal of Waqf Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi.

Following the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the use of the national emblem at a religious site. He questioned its appropriateness, stating he had never seen such usage in religious places like mosques or temples. "Mosques, shrines, temples and gurdwaras are not government institutions," Abdullah remarked, emphasising that government emblems should not be used in religious settings.

Political Reactions to Hazratbal Controversy

The controversy began when the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board placed a plaque with the national emblem at Hazratbal shrine. After Friday prayers, unidentified individuals broke and removed it, sparking outrage. Police have registered a case for breach of peace, rioting, and criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, Waqf Board chief Darakshan Andrabi condemned the vandalism and called for legal action against those involved.

The National Conference (NC) accused Andrabi of violating the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. They demanded her immediate dismissal and a criminal case registration for this violation. On social media platform X, they compared it to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine's inauguration plaque that lacked an emblem.

Demands for Action Against Waqf Board

PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti labelled the installation as "blasphemous" and demanded action against those responsible. She insisted on disbanding the Waqf Board and removing its officials. Mufti stated that Hazratbal is a religious site, not suitable for political symbolism or coronation ceremonies.

Sajad Lone from People's Conference also criticised using the emblem inside a revered shrine as "regrettable." He urged police to avoid filing an FIR and called on political leaders to show restraint during this sensitive time.

BJP's Stance on Vandalism

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit condemned both the vandalism and those allegedly orchestrating events behind the scenes. BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi expressed concern over this sensitive issue during a press conference. He highlighted how a National Conference legislator's tweet about the plaque containing Ashoka Stambh went viral, affecting national sentiments.

The BJP defended using Ashoka's emblem as a symbol of national pride while condemning acts against it as contrary to Kashmir's Sufi culture promoting tolerance. Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta also expressed anguish over vandalism through his office’s post on X: "Such acts hurt our national sentiments & will not be tolerated."

This incident has sparked significant debate among political parties regarding appropriate usage of national symbols within religious contexts across Jammu & Kashmir region.