Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday criticised the Waqf Board for placing the National Emblem on a renovation plaque at the Hazratbal shrine, saying it should only be used for government functions.
Abdullah said the Board must apologise for the “mistake” that hurt religious sentiments. The plaque, bearing the Ashoka emblem, was vandalised after Friday prayers, leading to an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act.
The CM also condemned Waqf Board Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi for calling for strict action under the Public Safety Act. “They should have apologised instead of issuing threats,” Abdullah said.
He questioned the need for the plaque, pointing out that NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah completed work on the shrine without ever seeking credit.
The incident has triggered criticism from political leaders and devotees, who say using the emblem inside the shrine violates Islamic principles. The PDP accused the authorities of deliberately provoking Muslims.
