Hazratbal: Omar Abdullah slams use of national emblem on Muslim shrine

Anantnag: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday criticised the use of the national emblem on a renovation plaque by the Waqf Board at Srinagar's Hazratbal mosque, asserting that the symbol is meant for government functions and not religious institutions, PTI reported.

Abdullah, who is touring the flood-affected areas in south Kashmir, said the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board should apologise for the "mistake" that has hurt religious sentiments.

His comments follow a major controversy that erupted after the plaque bearing the Ashoka emblem was placed inside the revered Hazratbal shrine and vandalised by unidentified people shortly after prayers on Friday.

Police on Saturday registered a case on charges of breach of peace, rioting and criminal conspiracy against unidentified persons in connection with the incident.

"First, the question arises whether the national emblem should have been used on this stone or not. I have never seen an emblem being used in this way in any religious place," Abdullah told reporters while visiting flood-affected areas here.

"Mosques, shrines, temples and gurdwaras are not government institutions. These are religious institutions, and government emblems are not used in religious institutions," he said.

The controversy escalated when Waqf Board Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi called for legal action, including booking the "hooligans" under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) to remove the emblem.

Abdullah condemned Andrabi's response, saying that the board "played with the sentiments of the people" and is now using threats.

"First, at least, they should have apologised for it. They should admit the mistake. It should not have happened," the CM said.

Abdullah also questioned the necessity of the plaque itself, noting that National Conference (NC) founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah completed work on the shrine without seeking any credit.