Why is Kashmir on the boil again? What exactly happened at the Hazratbal shrine?
New Delhi: In a fresh political storm in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a controversy has emerged from the Dargah Hazratbal, the most revered shrine for Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir, housing the relic of Prophet Muhammad. In the recent development, a crowd damaged a plaque which had the Ashoka emblem engraved on it saying that Islam does not allow any sculpture inside mosques or shrines. Reacting to the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that the national emblem should not have been used at a religious place as it has hurt public sentiments.
What J;K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on installation of emblem at Hazratbal Shrine?
Amid the controversy emerging in the state, J;K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the installation of an emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine. Adding that there was no requirement for it, the J;K Chief Minister said that the error should have been acknowledged instead of defended.
Omar Abdullah said: “The first question is whether such a plaque should have been installed there in the first place. I have never seen this emblem being used in any religious institution or any function before. Then why was there a need to put up such a stone? If the work was good enough, people themselves would have recognised it.”
Story highlights:
- Kashmir on the boil again.
- The recent incident has happened at the Hazratbal Shrine.
- A sculpture with Ashoka emblem was placed inside mosques at Hazratbal Shrine.
- The sculpture was vandalized by a mob.
Why is BJP demanding action?
The incident at the Dargah Hazratbal has triggered a political storm in the Union territory with the BJP demanding action against those who tried to “obliterate” the national emblem. However, as shown above, the local state government has said that installation of an emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine was a mistake.
(With inputs from agencies)
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