Hazratbal Plaque Vandalism Sparks Political Row in J&K

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the defacement of a plaque bearing India’s National Emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar. However, he questioned why the emblem was installed at a religious site in the first place.“Temples, mosques, and gurdwaras are religious places, not government institutions,” Abdullah said, adding that the government should “focus on work instead of putting stones.”

BJP Vows Stern Action

The vandalism occurred after Friday prayers, when unidentified worshippers damaged the emblem on the inauguration plaque.Darakhshan Andrabi, BJP leader and chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, called for strict punishment under the Public Safety Act (PSA). She blamed the National Conference for fuelling tensions, describing the incident as “a cloudburst” that shocked her deeply.

Shrine Under Redevelopment

The Hazratbal Shrine, which houses the revered relic of Prophet Mohammad, is undergoing reconstruction under the Waqf Board. The defaced plaque was part of the redevelopment works.

Public Reaction and Debate

The incident has triggered debates over whether national symbols should be placed in religious sites. A section of the public views it as unnecessary politicisation of a sacred space, while others stress that defacing the emblem insults national identity.