Srinagar: More than 30 people were detained after the vandalisation of a plaque bearing the national emblem at the Hazratbal shrine. The development has drawn sharp political responses across Jammu and Kashmir.
Police said an FIR was registered at Nigeen police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita covering rioting, promoting enmity, damaging property, disturbing religious assembly, and criminal conspiracy. Charges were also filed under the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act.
The issue began when the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board installed the national emblem plaque at Hazratbal Dargah. Locals opposed the move, saying its placement inside the shrine violated Islamic practice and offended community sentiments. The shrine is among the Valley’s most significant religious sites and houses the relic of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said the government response was harsh and described the detentions as collective vilification of Kashmiris. He clarified that opposition was not to the emblem itself but to its installation inside the shrine. He said Islam prohibits depictions inside places of worship and urged authorities to address concerns with dialogue instead of punishment.
Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakshan Andrabi, who approved the installation, faced criticism from several parties. NC leader Salman Ali Sagar and Cabinet Minister Sakinattoo demanded her removal. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti announced plans to file an FIR against Andrabi, calling the installation a provocation.
The incident has intensified political divisions and raised questions over how religious sensitivities are handled at Kashmir’s holiest site.
