Cops detain over 30 as row over Hazratbal plaque deepens

Over 30 persons have reportedly been detained in connection with the vandalisation of the national emblem at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. The police are, however, tightlipped over the issue and have not confirmed any detention yet.

National Conference (NC) MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has demanded the release of the persons detained by the police. Reports suggest that over 30 people have been detained for questioning in the case following the registration of an FIR by the police on Saturday.

They were detained on the basis of CCTV footage and videos being circulated on social media. The incident at the shrine took place on Friday after the congregational prayers.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had on Saturday said the Waqf Board should apologise for its “mistake”, asserting that the national emblem was meant for government functions, not religious institutions.

Srinagar MP Ruhullah on Sunday said, “While Islam teaches us to respect the sentiments and religious rights of others, it clearly prohibits the depiction of any living being inside mosques and other places of worship. One hopes that those who have been detained are released. I stand with them and their families.”

In a statement, he said, “I am disheartened and anguished to learn that over 30 individuals have been detained by the police in connection with the events that unfolded at the Hazratbal shrine. I strongly condemn this act of operational retribution at a time when statesmanship demanded an approach of reconciliation and empathy from the administration.”

Ruhullah said the actual matter of concern was the placing of the national emblem inside the Hazratbal shrine.

Meanwhile, the BJP has slammed the Hazratbal shrine incident and has termed it “disgraceful”.

“Within the dargah premises, a plaque bearing the national emblem was attacked by anti-social elements, who attempted to deface and uproot it using stones and other tools. This act is not just vandalism — it is a direct assault on the dignity of the national emblem and, by extension, on the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India,” a statement issued by the party said.

It said, “Shockingly, instead of condemning this shameful incident, an MLA from the NC has attempted to twist the matter by claiming that religious sentiments were hurt. Such statements are nothing but an attempt to shield the anti-social elements behind this heinous act.”

The BJP has demanded that “every single person” involved in the act be identified and prosecuted.