Hyderabad: Tension escalated at the Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar on Friday after miscreants vandalised a newly installed stone plaque carrying the national emblem. The clash broke out soon after Friday prayers when crowds gathered near the plaque, raised slogans against the Waqf Board, and threw stones.
The Hazratbal Dargah is the most sacred site for Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir as it houses relics of Prophet Muhammad. Earlier this week, the Waqf Board inaugurated a renovation project at the shrine, spending several crores of rupees.
Political parties question Ashoka emblem at Hazratbal Dargah
The Ashoka pillar symbol on the plaque drew sharp criticism. The National Conference and other opposition groups said the decision ignored religious sentiments. PDP leader Iltija Mufti accused the government of trying to provoke the Muslim community.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also objected. He said he had never seen the national emblem displayed at a place of worship and questioned its need when the renovation itself was significant.
The incident sparked a wider political row, putting religious sensitivity and administrative decisions under the spotlight.
