Political leaders slam plaque row at Hazratbal shrine, seek apology from Waqf Board

A day after protests broke out inside the revered Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, where devotees removed the Ashoka emblem engraved on an inauguration plaque, political and religious leaders across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday strongly condemned the installation of the plaque and demanded an apology from Waqf Board Chairperson and BJP leader Darakhshan Andrabi for hurting the “religious sentiments” of Muslims.

The ruling National Conference (NC) called for Andrabi’s immediate dismissal, while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti went a step further, demanding legal action against her, calling the incident an “act of blasphemy.”

Meanwhile, the BJP came out in support of Andrabi and demanded action against those involved in what it described as “vandalism.”

The controversy began after the installation of a plaque bearing the national emblem at the Hazratbal shrine following renovation work. The move sparked outrage among devotees, who removed and damaged the plaque on Friday, shortly after congregational prayers.

In response, Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi called for legal action against those responsible, even suggesting the invocation of the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA).

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti termed the installation of the plaque as “blasphemous.”

“The move has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. FIR should be registered for blasphemy against Andrabi and those involved in placing the plaque,” Mufti said.

She demanded the immediate dissolution of the Waqf Board and the removal of all its officials, including the chairperson.

Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the largest conglomerate of religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, also expressed deep concern over the incident and called for the immediate removal of the plaque.

“Even when the Hazratbal shrine was rebuilt in the past, no plaques or foundation stones were installed, out of respect for Shariah injunctions and tradition. Introducing them now sets a dangerous and unnecessary precedent,” the MMU said in a statement. It also urged the Waqf Board to consult religious scholars before undertaking any work at sacred sites in the future.

People’s Conference Chief Sajad Lone described the sequence of events as “unfortunate.” “Using an emblem inside a revered religious shrine is regrettable. It is imperative that we do not allow tempers to flare up,” he said.

Meanwhile, over a dozen National Conference legislators held a press conference today demanding the dismissal of Darakhshan Andrabi for “misusing the national emblem.”

NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party respects the national emblem, but its improper use in a religious space is unacceptable. “If anyone misuses the emblem or places it in an inappropriate location, action must be taken. This act not only violates religious sentiments but also breaches the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005,” Sadiq said, adding that the misuse insults India’s secular ethos.

He also announced that the party would be writing to the J&K Assembly Speaker demanding the formation of a House Committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the Waqf Board post-2019.

Another NC legislator, Salman Sagar, termed the act a “pre-planned move,” suggesting it was politically motivated with an eye on the upcoming Bihar elections.

The BJP, however, strongly defended Darakhshan Andrabi. Speaking at a press conference, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur termed Friday’s incident an act of “terrorism.”

“The behaviour shown is no less than what Osama bin Laden would approve of. These people don’t want the national emblem of India to be displayed even in public places,” Thakur said.

He added that if anyone had an objection to the plaque, they should have approached the Waqf Board through proper channels instead of resorting to vandalism.